SYMBOLISM OF THE WALL SCULPTURES
As in all traditional church art, there is a great
deal of symbolism in the three wall sculptures. Overall, the three represent the Trinity
with the Greek letters, Alpha and Omega symbolizing the Beginning and the End at the two
upper outside areas of the first and last panel.
First Panel: The Holy
Spirit -as shown by the dove with wings outstretched Around the Dove are rays shinning
forth in truth and light.
The scallop shell with the three drops is a symbol of
Holy baptism.
The building represents the old Trinity Lutheran
Church -- while the tree partially covering the church is symbolic of firm roots in the
land and the strength of tradition.
The winged human figure is the St. Matthew mentioned
in the book of Revelations.
The border consists of a series of trefoils
interspersed with the anchor (hope) and the
Celtic interwoven design which stands for the dual
nature of Christ -Man and God.
Middle Panel: God the
Father cannot be depicted, but the bush burned by fire and yet not consumed attests to his
majesty, power and presence. The bush rooted in rocks, is meant to convey the sense of
eternity as well as the church. The swirling movements flanking the bush are symbols of
power smoke and wind, while in the very center is the Trinity symbol.
The winged Lion symbolizes St. Mark and the winged
Bull symbolizes St. Luke.
The double-headed figure, entwined in the upper left
hand border symbolizes man's eternal struggle: his two natures -good and evil. Growing
beneath the bush is a thistle, a symbol of earthly suffering, and beside it a new growing
plant, a sign of rebirth.
Third Panel: Christ as the
Good Shepherd, the side of God revealed through our Lord and the New Testament, which
shows concern and love, boundless mercy and compassion. Beside the Christ grows the Tree
of Life, the heart-shaped leaves being as a sign of Love and Charity.
At the base of the tree is a basket of loaves and
these together with the Chalice on the opposite side stand as the symbols for communion
bread and wine.
The ground produces several plants, chief among them
being the Lily from the Sermon on the Mount, also a sign of purity and the Easter
Resurrection.
There are many three- pedaled flowers -these being
long used as a means of explaining the Three in One mystery of God.
There is a thistle signifying suffering, and the
eagle, again a symbol for John, the beloved.
In the first and third panel, there are three stars in
each. In the one, a symbol of heaven. In the other, another Trinity symbol. Together the
number of stars is six the ancient number symbol for Spiritual Lover. There are other tiny
symbols in the numbers of things and in the borders.
May these sculptures aid in your work and in your faith.
Respectfully,
William R. MacCrea
