The Needlepoint Altar Rail Kneelers

The kneelers were concieved as a way to highlight the unusual Gothic Revival interior of the church and for ou needleworkers to use thier skills to glorify the church.
The gothic tracery and tromp l'oeil decorations in the chancel celings adapted well to needlepoint.  The colors match the beige tones of the molding detail, and blue and gold from the sky and starts, and the red from the carpet and windows. These colors serve as background for the various symbols depicted in the center of each cushion.  Placed within the quatrefoil of trefoil are the various elements found throughout the church interior, particularly of the Trinity since the church's orignal name was the Memorial Church of the Holy Trinity.  The colors forming the background of each symbol reflect th colors of the liturgical year. Each of the nine kneelers has a dedication worked in the left side boxing, and the initials of the worker, the year and the cushion number are in the right side boxing.

Peggy Henkel, a parishioner, concieved the basic concept, researched the symbols and made the preliminary sketches. The canvases were painted by Lois Caron, a needlepoint designer. Throughout the design process invaluable advice and consultation was recieved from Mary P. Olsen, a noted authority from Keene, New Hampshire.  The work took two years to complete and were dedicated on December 27, 1981.

THe kneeler were financed by the needleworkers who volunteered to sponsor their kneelers. Persian yarn was used throughout, thanks to a special contribution from the Paternayan Yarn Company.

Crown of Thorns
This is the symbol of Christ's passion and suffering on the cross.
The depiction of the crown surrounded by a wreath of thorns comes from the carving of the large baptismal font in the cloisterway.
Dedication:  In Grateful Thanksgiving For Our Family
Needlework by: Elizabeth Glover Whidden


Keys of the Kingdom
The keys represent the pwoer of faith in Jesus as Christ to open the Kingdom of God, in heaven (the gold key) and Earth (the silver key.)
This detail comes from the painting of Saint Peter on the right front wall of the nave and in a window on the left side of the church.
Dedication: In Memory of Frank Patron Kinson
Needlework by: Ruth Houser Kinson


Lamb of God
This shows Jesus as teh lamb sacrificed for us. The lamb carries the banner of victory over his shoulder.
This symbol is seen in the stained glass window above the altar and on one of the white altar frontals and antependium.
Dedication:  " I am the Good Shepherd and I know my own" –CEB
Needlework by: Patricia Gennett Billett


Rose Window
This is the longest kneeler, and has Christ & Holy Trinity Church and the dates 1832 and 1861 leter in gothic script in the back boxing.
The rose symbolizes the twelve apostles and each petal of the rose has a start representing an apostle. Alpha and omega are the letters that begin and end  the Greek alphabet. IHS (iota, eta, sigma) are the Greek letters than begin Christ's name.  This depicts much of the rose window above the altar.
Dedication: In Grateful Thanksgiving For Our Family
Needlework by: Mildred Martin Groenwold

The Sword of the Spirit
This is used traditionally as the symbol of St. Paul.
The sword comes from the admonition that followers of Christ take up the sword of the spirit and put on the armor of light.
This was insprited by the St. Paul figure on the left front wall of the nave.
Dedication: In Memory of Gregon Thorp Pullen
Needlework by: Eunice Thorp Grimm

Dove of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is often shown as a dove.
The dhove is found in the middle panel of the altar window over the head of the ascending Lord. In the ceiling painting the dove is shown holding the olive branch representing the Peace of the Lord.
Dedication: In Memory of Dorthy Louse Barlett Conyngham
Needlework by: Hazel Conyngham Taylor

Sacrement of the Church
The chalice with the priest's host or wafer represents the body of our Lord, becoming the sail which moves the ship of the Church.
This is shown on the banner of Christ & Holy Trinity Chruch.
Dedication: Britta Alfrida
Needlework by: Mabel A. Johnson


Lily of Eternal Life
This depcis the symbol of the Trinity and the newness of life.
It was inspired by the resurrection window on the right side of the nave.
Dedication: In Loving Memory of Emily Vance Simpson
Needlework by: Margaret Vance Simpson Vose



Kingdon of Heaven and Earth
This double trangle, one in gold for heaven and the other in silver for earth, reminds Christians that God's Kingdom encompasses both heaven and earth.
It can be seen in the left of the rose window over the altar.
Dedication: In Thanksgiving to God and the Christ & Holy Trinity Altar Guild
Needlework by: Marjorie Silk and Diana Lee Charmok