Searching for clues to the mystery
of the “Copper Motif”
Do you recognize this work of art?
This copper “motif” was recently
resurrected from the storage cubbyhole at the top of the stairs by
the office and made a visit to a meeting of St. Mark's Board in
September. She (?) was eerily silent about her story but Annabel
Butts has been digging through old minute books and has discovered a
few details about this mysterious figure. It was commissioned from an
artist, Mrs. Adams, for $200.00. An additional amount of $40.00 was
earmarked for welding. Some of us recollect that it did hang at the
front of the church for a time. It does not appear that the welding
work was ever done.
Records of the meeting of the Official
Board on January 30th, 1968 indicate that decisions
regarding the motif were delegated to the Trustees. And Session
minutes of February 22nd, 1968 record that:
“a general discussion on the reaction
to the placing of the motif in the sanctuary by Trustees
took place and it was moved by Warren Swan and seconded by Ingram
Fowlie that it be recommended to the Trustees that the motif be
removed until same has been finished and placed before the
Congregation for consideration as the reaction to its being in
the Church has been quite unfavorable.” Motion carried.
It seems that further consideration by
the congregation sealed the motif's future. On February 10th,
1969 the Trustees recommended the storing of the motif. And it
appears to have taken up residence in the storage room ever since,
with a brief outing for one anniversary celebration.
The motif will be on view for a brief
time in the church hall and is featured this month on the 50th
Anniversary “Remember when...” table in the entry.
Help us solve “The Mystery of the
Copper Motif” and determine its future! Please consider if you can answer any of the questions below.
Can you provide us with any information
about the motif's creator, Mrs. Adams?
What future use do you envision for the
motif? Or its copper?
And some questions/activities for the
children:
What name would you give this figure?
Write a story about the motif, draw a
picture of the motif somewhere at St. Mark's or in Port Hawkesbury or use the photo above in a new way--like Rick Mercer does.
Submit your responses, creative writing
and artwork to the church office. There may be prizes!
