Sacred and Beautiful
|
|
Cross over Altar
CARVED ALTAR CROSS
The large pine cross was carved by Elidio Gonzales (died ca. 1985)
and inlaid with turquoise and silver by Larry Martinez, a Taos jeweler.
The turquoise shells are a symbol for St. James. Designed by Edd Mitchell,
the cross was gifted in memory of Shelley Mitchell, John Harper, and Malcolm Cottam.
Station 4, Jesus meets his blessed mother
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Unquestionably, one of the most significant examples of artwork in St. James
is the series of panel relief carvings done by the New Mexican artist
Patrocinio Barela (ca. 1900–1964). Commissioned by Robert Kennaugh,
a Taos resident and Anglican priest, the set of fourteen relief carvings
was Barela’s last major work before he perished by fire in 1964.
Kennaugh gave the panels to St. James, and they were installed by Rich and Kay Dicus,
who were friends of Barela and members of our parish.
Barela is in the collection of the Harwood Museum, the Millicent Rogers Museum
and the Martinez Hacienda.
Click here for a PDF file about Barela and his last, great work,
the stations of the cross at St. James.
CRUCIFIX IN GROTTO
The cross was carved by Leo Salazar,
who also carved number eight of the stations of the cross.
The Christ figure was carved by Richard Dicus and painted by James Meeks.
STAINED GLASS WINDOWS
The large stained-glass window at the front of the building faces and reflects the altar cross. This window, at the site of the original entry to the church nave, was created by Phyllis Nottingham, a parishioner, for placement when the church sanctuary was enlarged.
The four illustrative stained-glass windows, high on the walls of the expanded sanctuary, depict the baptism of Jesus, Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the Last Supper, and Jesus the Good Shepherd. Marcia Oliver, a parishioner, designed and created the Good Shepherd & the Palm Sunday windows. Phyllis Nottingham designed and created the Last Supper & Jesus Baptism windows.
The work by Ms. Nottingham and Ms. Oliver was accomplished in consultation and coordination with each other over the period of a year. The designs were developed together, and individual windows were crafted in the studios of the two artists. Installation took place in 2006.
Five untitled stained glass windows lining the walls of the choir loft were designed and made by Eric Gibberd (1897-1972) and gifted by him in honor of his mother. The themes of the windows were taken from the epistle of St. James.
The large stained-glass window at the front of the building faces and reflects the altar cross. This window, at the site of the original entry to the church nave, was created by Phyllis Nottingham, a parishioner, for placement when the church sanctuary was enlarged.
The four illustrative stained-glass windows, high on the walls of the expanded sanctuary, depict the baptism of Jesus, Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the Last Supper, and Jesus the Good Shepherd. Marcia Oliver, a parishioner, designed and created the Good Shepherd & the Palm Sunday windows. Phyllis Nottingham designed and created the Last Supper & Jesus Baptism windows.
The work by Ms. Nottingham and Ms. Oliver was accomplished in consultation and coordination with each other over the period of a year. The designs were developed together, and individual windows were crafted in the studios of the two artists. Installation took place in 2006.
Five untitled stained glass windows lining the walls of the choir loft were designed and made by Eric Gibberd (1897-1972) and gifted by him in honor of his mother. The themes of the windows were taken from the epistle of St. James.
Stain glass cross by Phyllis Nottingham
|
Jesus the Good Shepherd by Marcia Oliver
|
BAPTISMAL FONT
The twentieth-century baptismal font is an octagonal shape, decorated with incised crosses. A standing gilt cross adorns the top. It was gifted by Eleanor Kissell and Mary Bell Kissell.
MAIN ALTAR
The main altar is made of walnut and hand carved with an Agnus Dei, the Lamb of God.
CARVED WALNUT FRENCH GOTHIC SCREEN
The authentic gothic design of the eight antique panels places them in the sixteenth century, perhaps even earlier. These screens were removed from gothic churches during the late nineteenth century to bring the congregation closer to the priest.
The twentieth-century baptismal font is an octagonal shape, decorated with incised crosses. A standing gilt cross adorns the top. It was gifted by Eleanor Kissell and Mary Bell Kissell.
MAIN ALTAR
The main altar is made of walnut and hand carved with an Agnus Dei, the Lamb of God.
CARVED WALNUT FRENCH GOTHIC SCREEN
The authentic gothic design of the eight antique panels places them in the sixteenth century, perhaps even earlier. These screens were removed from gothic churches during the late nineteenth century to bring the congregation closer to the priest.
St. James sanctuary
|
Liz Steving, untitled, mixed media, 67"h x 51"w
|
PERFORMANCES AND EVENTS
The Taos Community Chorus, other choruses, and musicians regularly enjoy our sanctuary’s wonderful acoustics and surroundings for performances. Additionally, our parish hall, with its adjacent, large certified kitchen, bathrooms, meeting rooms, and separate entries is an excellent location for special events, workshops, conferences, community groups, and fundraisers.
To have an event at the church, simply call the office to check on availability. We will then assist you with completing paperwork to reserve the space. Contact: Office Manager, 575-758-2790, ext. 101, or office@stjamestaos.org