There are 22 kneelers in all, one for each section of the altar rail. Each cushion is comprised of 4-inch-thick upholstery-grade latex foam covered by a heavy rayon/cotton velvet fabric on the top and a cotton canvas fabric on the bottom, both tucked behind a handwoven band that encircles the cushion. The exterior fabrics and band were stitched together by hand over the foam, using a running stitch to sew the fabrics to the band, and a chain stitch along the edges of the band to reinforce the seams with the top and bottom fabrics.
The bands were handwoven using mercerized cotton yarn in gold, burnt orange and lipstick. The cross design on the bands is based on the Greek Cross and several eight-pointed crosses including the Maltese Cross. The Greek Cross has four arms of equal length and signifies the Christian Church or the divine nature of Jesus Christ. The eight points of the Maltese Cross (which also has four arms of equal length) may represent eight of the nine Beatitudes Jesus Christ spoke of in the Sermon on the Mount (the ninth essentially repeats and emphasizes the eighth), or the eight obligations listed by the Knights Hospitallers of St. John, who adopted the Maltese Cross in 1126.
The Beatitudes are listed in the Gospel According to Matthew:
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The eight obligations listed by the Knights Hospitallers of St. John are as follows:
spirituality
simplicity
humility
compassion
justice
mercy
sincerity
endurance
A team of 12 seamstresses helped assemble the kneelers. We met on Thursday evenings at the Church to work together, and each seamstress took kneelers home to work on between meetings. The project provided a wonderful opportunity for us to work together and get to know one another.
I would like to thank each seamstress for her valuable contribution to this project:
Linda Blalock
Sallie Cowgill
Kristine Daynes
Mary Ann Fuhr
Helen Goodheart
Debbie Graves
Carol Little
Michele Mason
Linda Shute
Elaine Southerland
Lea Thulberry
Linn Van Meter
Janet Rodie