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
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
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
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
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
Needlepoint worked by Miss Sherry Ingram and given to the Glory of God and in memory of her father, Joe Ingram.
The Crown
Needlepoint worked by Mrs. J.A. Pafford to the Glory of God and in honor of their son, Julian Aubrey Pafford, Jr.
The Lamp
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
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.
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
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.