Symbolism in the Sanctuary: Kneeling Benches

Written on 09/10/2024

Megan Hopkins

History of the Kneeling Cushions

(from an undated leaflet produced by Pittman Park)

The 14 kneeling cushions that adorn the sanctuary of Pittman Park UMC were put into place for a service of consecration held Sunday, June 6, 1982. The ceremony was the culmination of nearly five years of thoughtful planning and meticulous work.

The idea for needlepoint cushions originated early in 1977 during a conversation between the Reverend Larry Roberts, a former pastor of Pittman Park, and Mrs. Lew (Polly) Rhiver. Aware of the worshipful atmosphere the cushions would help to create in the sanctuary, and of the talent existing in Pittman Park Church, Mrs. Rhiver agreed to head the project to make the cushions. Sponsored by the Helen Brannen Interest Group of United Methodist Women (formerly the Altar Guild Interest Group), the project enlisted the patience and skill of some 14 needlepoint volunteers.

Actual needlework on the cushions began in February of 1979 after the completion of the canvas artwork by Mrs. Franlkib (Dolly) Beacham. The task of stitching 14 beautiful symbols was an enormous one. There are 13 stitches of wool yarn in an inch of needlepoint. This means that 169 stitches make up a square inch, and 813,576 stitches complete the cushions. After almost five years of planning, developing and stitching, the kneeling cushions grace the sanctuary of Pittman Park UMC. To God be the Glory!!

Each handmade cushion features a meaningful symbol of the Church.

The Alpha and Omega

The Alpha and Omega symbolize God (Christ) as the beginning and end of all. The Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters in the Greek alphabet. “I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.”

Left end kneeling cushion worked by Mrs. Harvey (Martha) Lane. Given by Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Lane to the Glory of God and in honor of their children and grandchildren: Ruth, Hobson, Jennifer, Susan, Sam Robinson and Donald and Carl Woodard.

Right end knelling cushion worked by Mrs. Jessie Watkins and given in honor of the Prayer and Bible Study Group of Pittman Park United Methodist Women

The Rose

When the rose is designated as the Christmas Rose, it is a symbol of the nativity of our Lord and His human mother, Mary. We also think of the rose typifying the flourishing of Christ’s kingdom as in the passage from Isaiah 35:1, “The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose.”

Needlepoint worked by Mrs. Sara Mooney Riggs, sister of Dr. John Mooney. Given by Mrs. Sara Mooney Riggs, in thanksgiving for the faith and works of Dot and John Mooney.

The Butterfly

The butterfly symbolizes our Lord’s resurrection and victory over death and the grave, as well as eternal life for those who die in Christ. The symbolism comes from the stages: mortal life (larva) is taken in death (chrysalis) but raised to life (butterfly).

Needlepoint worked by Mrs. Larry (Myrna) Roberts. Given by the Reverend and Mrs. Larry Roberts and family in memory of three people who touched their lives in very special ways: Lisa Budack, Glen Graham, W/W/ (Woody) Powell.

The Descending Dove

The descending dove represents the Holy Spirit, and has its origin in the event of our Lord’s baptism, when the Spirit of God descended on Him in the form of a dove Mark 1:10b.

Needlepoint worked by Mrs. Lew (Polly) Rhiver to the Glory of God and in loving memory of her husband, Lew Rhiver (April 3, 1909 – June 3, 1982).

The Bible

The Bible is symbolic of the written Word of God and reminds Christians that its message is central to the faith. All persons are encouraged to read and study the open Word. Matthew 24:35.

Needlepoint worked by Mrs. Cecile Howard and given in memory of Claude Howard and in honor of her children and grandchildren, Cecil, Arthur, Carole, Claude III, and Bill Howard.

The Cross and Chalice

The Chalice symbolizes the last supper of Jesus with his disciples, and the cross adds the crucifixion theme. Both remind us of the suffering of our Lord: “O my father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt.”

Needlepoint worked by Mrs. C.R. (Dorothy) Pound. Given by Mr. and Mrs. C.R. Pound to the Glory of God in honor of her grandchildren.

The IHC

The letters IHC are the first three of the name of Jesus in Greek.

Needlepoint worked by Mrs. Bill (Ouida) Franklin. Given by Mr. and Mrs. Bill Franklin to the Glory of God and in memory of Joe Ingram.

The XPC

The letters XPC represent the Chi, Rho, and Sigma, the first two and last letters for Christ in ancient Greek. The word for Christ was XPICTOC (pronounced Kristos).

Needlepoint worked by Miss Sherry Ingram and given to the Glory of God and in memory of her father, Joe Ingram.

The Crown

The crown is symbolic of the kingship of our Lord and His victory over sin and death.

Needlepoint worked by Mrs. J.A. Pafford to the Glory of God and in honor of their son, Julian Aubrey Pafford, Jr.

The Lamp

The lamp is symbolic of the divine inspiration of the Word of God and of Christian learning or knowledge.

Needlepoint worked by Mrs. Lloyd L. (Frances) Joyner, Jr. and given to the Glory of God and in honor of Lloyd L. Joyner, Jr.

The Lamb

The lamb represents the humble sacrifice of Christ: “Behold the lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world.” The banner of victory is symbolic of his triumph over death and the grave.
A scanned page from a typed leaflet featuring a drawing of the Lamb design.

Needlepoint worked by Mrs. Robert (Reba) Swint. Given by Dr. and Mrs. Robert Swint to the Glory of God and in loving memory and honor of their many friends who have been and are members of Pittman Park Church.

The Shell

The shell symbolizes baptism by pouring, for at one time water was scooped up in a shell and poured over the head of the person being baptized.
A scanned page from a typed leaflet featuring a drawing of the Shell design.

Needlepoint worked by Mrs. A Bird (Dot) Daniel. Given by Dr. and Mrs. A. Bird Daniel in honor of her mother, Mrs. Hudson Goolsby, whose unselfishness has been an inspiration to all her family.

The Star

The five-pointed star symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem or the Star of Epiphany which guided the Wisemen to the baby Jesus after His birth. Matthew 2:2.
A scanned page from a typed leaflet featuring a drawing of the Star design.

Needlepoint worked by Mrs. Michael (Pam) Radford. Given by Mr. and Mrs. Michael Radford to the Glory of God and in honor of all persons who participate in the music program of Pittman Park Church.