Start on a journey through Church history, spanning more than two thousand years. It all started in the 1st century with Jesus Christ’s teachings and the formation of early Christian groups. Moving into the 4th and 5th centuries, important gatherings, like Councils, shaped lasting ideas still important in Church history today. Around the world, Christianity spread, and in medieval Europe, the church became more crucial despite a split in 1054, creating two parts.
As we move through time, the Renaissance becomes an influential period. In the 16th century, leaders like Martin Luther and John Calvin made significant changes, leading to different Protestant groups. Fast-forward to the 20th century, marked by events and meetings trying to bring Christian groups together, and echoes of church history still impact our lives.
Follow the historical journey to discover how Church history shapes faith, culture, and life. Find connections from the past to the present, learning valuable lessons from Christianity. Reflecting on this history encourages acceptance of our differences, builds unity, and creates a better future for all Christian communities. Thus, keeping our mutual venture creates a strong bond of compassion, humility, and enduring love.
As we confront challenges today, let the wisdom of Church history guide us to better understanding, cooperation, and harmonious living in our global community. And, embrace the lessons of the past for a brighter future. As we travel together through our shared history, let’s work towards a future where everyone in the entire Christian community feels welcomed and cared for. By appreciating our past, we can build bridges of unity and kindness, fostering a more compassionate world for all.
Altare Dei–The Altar of God Altare Dei–The Altar of God: Upon entering the sanctuary of a Christian Church, those coming to worship immediately have their gaze directed toward a particular… Read more Altare Dei–The Altar of God →
Ecclesiastical Sewing would like to officially welcome Ashley Zerwas to our team. Ashley is Carrie’s only daughter and she has taken a full-time job working for the family business after recently graduating college. When the Ecclesiastical Sewing storefront opens, Ashley will be helping to run the business behind the scenes. Ashley will manage social media, as well as assist with product development and sourcing. Ashley will also take on the role of Editor in Chief for Ecclesiastical Sewing.
Visiting a grand Cathedral – The Cathedral of St. Helena in Helena Montana a stunning example of the masterful use of church design.
The capital of Montana is Helena. The cathedral’s entrance features impressive stone carvings, and the interior is grand with rich burgundy tones, metallic gold paint, and brass fixtures. The stained glass windows, numbering over 75, exhibit meticulous detail, resembling painted scenes with fine facial features, expressive eyes, and a heavenly gaze.
The altar in the Mary Chapel allows a closer view of the altar linen. The edge of the linen is cut so that it hangs over the front of the altar by a few inches. This linen edge is embroidered using the colors of white and gold. There is so much white inside this Basilica. The gold provides a much-needed contrast so the altar linen is not lost among all of the other whites of the chapel. The design motifs of the altar linen feature a cross worked in gold embroidery thread, and a wheat and grape motif worked in white embroidery thread. The edge of the altar linen is scalloped with a scalloped or shell satin stitch, making a perfect complement to this lovely Basilica
St. Alban’s was consecrated on September 17th, 1887. Following the consecration the Prince and Princess of Wales hosted a lunch on their royal ship for those who had worked to make the church a possibility. This church, although first and foremost a house of worship promoting freedom of religion, was as much a tool to connect European nations.
Our Saviour’s Church, built in 1680 by architect Lambert van Haven, stands on the site of a 1639 church. In the Dutch Baroque style, its Greek cross floor plan reaches 36 meters in height. The design emphasizes order in creation, with focus on God and divine right following the king. The altar, crafted by Nicodemus Tessin in 1732, uniquely depicts the Garden of Gethsemane instead of a crucifixion.
The mosaic of Christ holding a book with the words “Ego Dominus Et Magister” offers design inspiration. Details like the nimbus with cross and diamond border could be beautifully translated into hand-embroidered silk and gold threads. The orphrey on Christ’s shoulder is simple yet elegant. The swirling clouds and the mosaic border with a scroll motif and a cross framed in an oval shape also provide intriguing design ideas.
Spring travels led to St. Leo Monastery in Florida, a serene retreat with a beautiful chapel set against a lake. The exterior’s simplicity contrasts with the rich terracotta stone and tile color, a wall side lining hanging with tapestry fabric in deep reds, rusts, golds, and terracotta. The chapel’s design, statues, and fabric create a peaceful atmosphere for prayer. Despite being a brief visit, the monastery left a lasting impression, showcasing the beauty found in both vestments and architectural details.
The Clergy presiding over the service wore matching cream-colored vestments with tapestry orphreys. Another clergy wore vestments such as surplices, dalmatic, tunic, and chasuble, according to their role and position within the church. Clergy robed in matching white chasubles lined the stairs to pay their last respects as the flag-draped coffin left the Cathedral
Happy New Year from Ecclesiastical Sewing! After a busy month of home remodeling and wedding preparations, the workroom turned into a wedding hub. From groomsmen alterations to bridesmaid dresses and vintage veil restyling, it was a flurry of activity. The remodeled space is now organized and lovely!
Ninian Comper, also known as John Ninian Comper, embarked on his design career in 1880 at age 16 in Aberdeen School of Art. After joining Charles Kempe’s studio in 1882, he honed his skills. Comper’s apprenticeship with George Frederick Bodley in 1883 marked a significant phase in his development as a church architect. This dedicated training for four years under Bodley and Thomas Garner shaped Comper into a skilled practitioner beyond a mere craftsman.
Liturgical Arts Resources link artists for inspiration. The Lutheran Art Resources site values quality in church aesthetics, focusing on unique paraments and vestments. Despite limited resources, various options exist for obtaining high-quality liturgical art. Scapegoat Studio Blog’s logos and Ad Crucem’s vibrant paintings, including Edward Riojas’s, add richness to this artistic community.
Back to Ecclesiastical Projects – Soon For all of you patiently waiting for a new post, never fear. The Ecclesiastical Sewing blog has not dropped off the face of the planet….or at least not quite. I have been enjoying a few weeks off with family, and visiting some remote places that are nearly off the map. Fortunately, I have found my way out of the backcountry of Glacier Park and will be back to work posting new Ecclesiastical Sewing Projects next week. Until then, happy summer. Solo Dei Gloria Be… Read more Back to Ecclesiastical Projects – Soon →
Ecclesiastical Footwear? C0113517921/[/embed] One can only imagine the honor of making a special pair of shoes for the Pope. These truly are a work of art. I hope you have… Read more Ecclesiastical Footwear? →
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