Sanctuary Art

When you walk into our Sanctuary, your eyes are immediately drawn to our two pieces of art. In the front of our sanctuary is this beautiful stained glass window. Entitled “God’s Creation,” this work of art was created by local artist Lyle Novinski, an art professor at Irving’s University of Dallas. “God’s Creation” abstractly suggests earth, water, fire and heaven. To some it represents the created earth, water of baptism, the fire of the Holy Spirit and heaven. As we worship, our thoughts are drawn into its symbolism.

The other thing that catches your eye is the large, wooden cross at the center of the chancel.

When our original sanctuary was destroyed by fire at the end of July 2000, it was more than the destruction of a building. Some thought it would mean the death of our congregation. Even though the loss was almost more than we could bear, faith soon overcame hopelessness and fear. In fact, faith brought our congregation together for worship the very next Sunday under the oaks to the south of the burned sanctuary — oaks that had not been scorched by the heat of the inferno.

The searing heat of the fire brought death or severe damage to several of our beautiful old oaks, and we grieved their loss. But the slow process of rebuilding affirmed a new life for our church. And also a new life for one particular oak tree.

The church’s architect was very creative in incorporating nature, symbols of Christianity, and our heritage in the design of our new Fellowship Center and Sanctuary. A large handcrafted wooden cross behind the communion table was planned as the central focus in the new Sanctuary.

Texas artist Campbell Bosworth was commissioned for the project. Mr. Bosworth had a special vision for one of the old oaks killed in the fire. From that scorched oak tree he carved a cross, symbolizing our roots that are still here and representing our earth-bound existence. The wood has taken on another life symbolizing our heavenly aspirations.

The natural defects and cracks in the wood represent our own imperfections before God. The grain and curving shape symbolize the missing form of Christ. The cross holds so many images in our mids, Jesus and the cruel suffering, the resurrection, and our new life in Him. Each Sunday, we look forward to worshiping in a sanctuary where the cross from an old post oak tree reminds us of the new life we have in Christ Jesus.