St Patrick’s,Whitehead, upholds an ancient tradition
By Joanna Pawson
From the time of the ancient Hebrew priesthood and its vestments, there have been textiles, weavings and embroideries made exclusively for the service of God. Early Christian art and writings attest to the continuity of such liturgical vestments and the presence of ornate embroidery in the beginning of the Church.
“Liturgical Linens and Vestments should be seen as works of art. They enhance the beauty of a celebration, not only by their colour, but by the way they drape the altar, lectern and minister. They should add to the majesty of a procession, or the solemnity of the Eucharist.” (Fr Timothy Deeter, Vestments: Friends, not enemies. 2009)
Underlining the importance placed by the Church on vestments and embroidered linens, they are always blessed before their first use, adding to their sacredness. Thereafter, they are generally handled with care and stored well when not in use, not stuffed into a crammed cupboard or carelessly tossed onto a shelf in the vestry!
But even with careful attention, liturgical linens and garments can become tired and worn out with use over many years. Linens that are exposed to sunlight and dust especially suffer, particularly the linens used during the longer periods of ordinary time. Such was the case at St Patrick’s Church, Whitehead, where the green linens had become very faded and tired looking.
Jean Gascoigne, a former contestant on BBC’s Great British Sewing Bee, decided after the show to channel her creative talents to making bespoke Liturgical Vestments and Linens, aided by the new 10 needle embroidery machine she has acquired.
Jean’s first project was to create a chasuble and stoles for the Benedictine Monks at Holy Cross Abbey, Rostrevor. For the decoration, she came up with a design based on the story of Creation from the Book of Genesis.
Her next project was closer to hand as Jean directed her talent to making a new set of green communion linens, plus matching lectern hangings and minister’s stole, for use at St Patrick’s Church of Ireland, Whitehead, as a way of thanking the rector, the Rev Canon Mark Taylor, and congregation for their kindness and friendship.
The linens are dedicated for use by the Rev Canon Mark Taylor.
After discussion with the rector on the theme for the embroidery, it was agreed that the church logo, incidentally designed by Jean’s partner who belongs to the church, should be featured, as it perfectly symbolised elements that are central to the church and parish, namely a Celtic cross for St Patrick’s Church and eagle for St John’s Church, accompanied by shafts of light shining from the centre, to symbolize the Whitehead Lighthouse and also the light that comes from the spreading of the Gospel.
These were dedicated for use by Canon Taylor.
Jean said: “I find immense pleasure and fulfilment creating sacred vestments and linens designed for the service of God and it is a great joy to see my work being used in a place of worship.”
Jean has now been invited to produce a chasuble and altar hangings etc for St Patrick’s Episcopal Church, Washington DC. Jean’s work can be viewed on her website: www.arttherapyworks.uk.
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