Altar Carvings
In 1977 Phil Hartliep designed the furnishings for our altar area in the sanctuary;
Gene Thompson agreed to build all of the pieces.
The Altar, Baptismal Font and Pulpit are constructed of walnut. The cabinetry is just
about all mortise and peg construction. The panels are all hand carved in base relief.
The two legs of the altar table, beginning on the left as you face the altar depict:
The birth of Christ The baptism of Christ's healing Christ's crucifixion
and the visitation Christ by John miracles, carved
of the Wise Men. the Baptist and in such a way so
the Holy Spirit. that each person
Pastor Jim overlaps another.
Voelker (Senior
Pastor, 1972-1984)
was the model for
the most front
observer in the
right front corner.
The pulpit features a lectern platform which adjusts up and down to fit the height
of the speaker. On the left as you face the pulpit the images depict:
The Old Testament The Holy Scriptures with
law from the scrolls the Risen Christ with
and shows the people displayed in
burden of those who modern clothing to depict
tried to live under the faith in Jesus the Lord
law for salvation. (the "Word").
The Baptismal Font
The models for each of the figures in this carving are
Phil Hartliep's daughters, grandchildren, son-in-law,
and Gene Thompson's son. Phil Hartliep's youngest
grandchild was the first person baptized from this font.
Another special note is that the top of the baptismal
font is made up of 12 different pieces of walnut from
Gene Thompson's father's property.
All pieces were completed between 1977 and 1983, with all work donated
by Phil Hartliep and Gene Thompson.
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