Calvary Icons Altarpiece Dedicated in Charleston

On Saturday, October 10, the sanctuary was full at the historic Calvary Episcopal Church in Charleston as more than a year of planning, design, and creation led to the dedication of a beautiful altarpiece as part of the Calvary Icons Project. Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley was present to dedicate the work of art, alongside the church’s rector, the Rev. Ricardo Bailey, and the Rev. Deacon Marionette Bennett (gospeller and assisting minister). 

The altarpiece was the result of two years of research into the history of the congregation that led to the completed carving, through reflection and prayer. It was conceived as a contemporary sacred work to honor the church’s history while opening space for renewed contemplation and participation, extending the relationship between artwork, place, and congregation. The image speaks to hope, reconciliation, and divine presence within a living community of worship. The completed altarpiece creates a focal point where history, devotion, and communal memory meet in a single sacred form to carry Calvary’s legacy forward. Members took part in painting the altarpiece, all adding a collective touch to the work created by artist Graeme Mortimer Evelyn. The project was led by Calvary member, Grace Wingfield.

Learn more about the project and why it involved Calvary Episcopal Church and Charleston, through the article written by the Episcopal News Service last week at this link. 

View more photos from the day on our diocesan Facebook page at this link. The artist shared additional photos on his Facebook page at this link.

View a great video of church members (and Bishop Ruth!) involved in the creation of the icon at this link.