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Hand-crafted icon mosaic celebrates the work of the Sisters of
St Etheldreda
A stunning mosaic has been installed in a niche outside the east
end of St Paul's Church, Bedford, to celebrate the work of the
Bedford Sisters of St Etheldreda.
The mosaic, created in the tradition of icons, features the The
Blessed Virgin Mary cradling the Christ Child in the loving
relationship shown by the Sisters of St Etheldreda, during the
150 years of running their Bedford children's home.
James Blackstone, the artist of St Dunstan Icons (www.dunstanicons.com)
spent many months creating the mosaic which is formed of tiny
tesserae or pieces of glass from Murano, Venice. The final
composition makes for a unique work of art with its rich
colouring that attracts the eyes of passers-by. The lettering on
the mosaic is the contracted form of the Greek: “Meter Theou”,
(Mother of God).
The hope is that people walking through the churchyard will find
a greater sense of peace as they come across the mosaic half
hidden behind rosemary.
The Anglican Sisters of St Etheldreda were active in Bedford
between 1869 and 1984, providing a Sunday School, night schools,
guilds, meetings and an orphanage. For the many children of St
Eths', the icon will be a reminder of the kindness shown by the
Sisters at the Children's Home in Bromham Rd, which was so
unlike the misery experienced by some children in care.
Sister Hazel, at 91 years, is the last surviving of the three
Sisters who ran the Home until its closure and is still a focus
for many who seek her wisdom and friendship at her base in
Willen, Milton Keynes. Being within the Parish of St Paul, the
Sisters and the children enjoyed a close and relationship with
its clergy and people, so it is fitting that the mosaic should
be installed in its gardens, outside the building where it can
be enjoyed at all times.
The Bishop of Bedford is to dedicate the icon mosaic on Sunday
15 June at 4 pm. All are welcome to attend. |
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We are recruiting!
St Paul's Parish Church is looking for individuals who are
passionate about music and enjoy singing choral works to join us as
we relaunch our Church choir. If you are comfortable reading music,
are able to sing in SATB harmony, and love to sing, we invite you to
get in touch to discuss how you might contribute to the ongoing
musical tradition of Bedford's beautiful civic church.
Commitments would include a weekly one-hour rehearsal (currently
Friday evening), and singing at church services beginning with
Parish Eucharist at 10.15am on Sunday mornings. We already have the
nucleus of an SATB choir who have been singing regularly at
services, but we are looking to grow this into a larger SATB choir
singing on the first Sunday of the month and to increase regular
choral commitments thereafter. As the choir grows, we also aim to
give a musical offering at a Sunday Choral Evensong once per month.
We see the Choir as an important part of the church, not only of our
musical tradition but also of our wider ministry. Whilst as a member
of the choir you do not necessarily have to be of the Christian
faith, it is important to us that you are sympathetic to, and
prepared to take an active part in, the overall ministry of the
church.
If you are interested to find out more,
please contact Revd Anthony Davis or Adam Wright, Organist, via
music@stpaulschurchbedford.org.uk. |
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