May 28, 2025

Traditions at Epiphany
by parishioner Dick Fichter with assistance from Rev. Dina

Last week we discussed traditions in general with liturgy as part of our religious experience. This time we will touch on a few traditions which are readily visible at Epiphany and others which are not so visible. We would like to know the traditions of which you are aware and invite you to tell us of any we have missed, which we are sure there are many.

Banners You See on the Altar

Here is what Sally Savas told us.  

“The first banners we made were for the worship space at Oak Hill Elementary School cafeteria. While they were quite simple, they did help make it look a bit more like a church. (At this time, there was litigation over the ownership of Epiphany’s buildings.)

After moving back into our church, we were given a room upstairs to use, and this ministry began in earnest. We found a site online where we could purchase much more eloquent patterns. Some of the kits included all the necessary fabric, others did not, so we went as a group to a local fabric store to choose what we wanted. Two of our banners include fabric that Karen Buck was going to use to make her wedding gown, but she decided to buy one instead.

We met once a week and had such a wonderful time working together. Many discussions on the current news (of course, we solved many problems) and lots of laughter. I don’t remember how long we worked on the banners, but it was quite a while.

When all the banners were finished, Shirley Vaughn made a book for the Altar Guild showing when to use each set. There are seven sets in all, fourteen banners.

The ladies who made the banners were Shirley Vaughn, Marilyn Reardon, Eleanor Locke, Suzanne Fichter, Karen Buck, and Sally Savas.

As I look at them each Sunday, I remember the love that made them possible – love for our God and our Church.”

Thank you, Sally and the other ladies, for all your work, time, and expense in making the banners. I think you can include in the above, love for each other in making the banners we enjoy each Sunday. I love seeing the banners at church, and they have a benefit I don’t think you expected. I sometimes use them as an eye chart.  

There are different banners for weddings, Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Patriotic, Bread and Wine, and other banners for use at appropriate times. Say hi to Sally when you see her in church.

The one to the right is for the sixth day, “And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good” (The Omega).

They were both handcrafted by Marilyn Reardon, the wife of our first Rector, Father Bill. Marilyn has been with us as a parishioner since the beginning, and thank you, Marilyn, for all you have done and continue to do for Epiphany. Say hello to Marilyn when you see her at church.

Needlepoint is a type of embroidery known as canvas work until the early 19th century. In needlepoint, the stitches are counted and worked with a needle over the threads, or mesh, of a canvas foundation. Single-mesh canvas of linen or cotton may be used, which has 16 to 20 holes per linear inch, using a stitch that covers only one. Different colored strands of wool are generally used for needlepoint.

Needlepoint, as it is known today, can be said to have originated in the 17th century. Originally, needlepoint designs were drawn on the canvas by the amateur embroiderer, often from pattern books published in Europe since the 16th century. When you look at the needlepoint, consider the intricate design, the multiple colors of yarn used, and the skill, patience, and love used to complete these works for Epiphany.

Kneelers

The sacristy has many kneelers for use on the altar and for kneeling purposes. These were made from kits with needlepoint designs on the top by the ladies of the church.