As I do my job at the Baldwin chimes in the balcony each day, I am spiritually nourished by my view of the Trinity’s interior. I asked my friend Pont Hall to tell us more about the furnishings. Here’s her report.

Trinity Church is abundantly blessed with both the beauty of God’s holiness and the inspired beauty of human artistry. Our gloriously carved altar, handsome chancel furnishings, and sublime stained-glass, combine with intricate needlework created by parishioners over the years to magnify the splendor of our surroundings. Credit is due to the many talented people who have lovingly adorned Trinity with their artistic gifts.

Dolores Andrew—a nationally recognized designer, teacher, lecturer, and judge of needlepoint, counted cross stitch, and crewel—designed and produced Christmas altar hangings for us in crewel for her Master of Arts degree from the Maryland Institute College of Art. She stitched a full set of altar frontal, burse and veil, lectern hanging, and Bible book markers, all with angels in flight.

Virginia McIntosh Williams was another noted stitcher who created the needlepoint in the chancel, including the elaborate carpeting on the altar steps. You should sneak up there and see it! She also stitched the prie-dieu kneelers and chair cushions up by the altar. I often chuckle at the bishop’s and rector’s chair cushions that each feature a crown of thorns for a touch of humility.

Martha Wood designed the kneeling cushions at the altar rail and stitched them along with other parishioners. These kneelers feature symbols of the four Evangelists and the Lamb of God. She also designed and stitched an altar frontal stitched with chalice, sheaf of wheat, and cluster of grapes for the Lee Chapel as well as the altar kneelers covered with birds and grape vines or the individual cushions embellished with symbols of the Trinity.

If you or anyone you know helped with any of the stitching, please let the office know so we can give all our artists credit and keep our records accurate.

In peace,