After 30 years, a pew cushion for every bottom at Westminster Church
March 2, 2019 6:11 PM Subscribe
In the late 1980s, the pew cushions at Westminster Presbyterian Church were worn out and needed to be replaced. The parishioners decided to replace the boring brown cushions with needlepoint ones inspired by bible stories, wildlife, as well as local landmarks and history. This year, the volunteer stitchers expect to complete the project. (last link includes lovely video)
I definitely want to visit. I love long term collaborative projects like this.
As a disabled person who takes longer to do a lot of things, I was really moved by the way the flexible, deadline-free project design would have made it easier for someone like me to participate. And I loved how the general congregation's excitement and encouragement carried the project along.
posted by congen at 6:45 PM on March 2, 2019 [6 favorites]
As a disabled person who takes longer to do a lot of things, I was really moved by the way the flexible, deadline-free project design would have made it easier for someone like me to participate. And I loved how the general congregation's excitement and encouragement carried the project along.
posted by congen at 6:45 PM on March 2, 2019 [6 favorites]
“I think of it like a cathedral.”
How utterly lovely.
posted by minervous at 6:55 PM on March 2, 2019 [1 favorite]
How utterly lovely.
posted by minervous at 6:55 PM on March 2, 2019 [1 favorite]
Oh, this is such a fun community thing. How great. That video is really sweet.
posted by charmedimsure at 12:07 AM on March 3, 2019
posted by charmedimsure at 12:07 AM on March 3, 2019
What a cool project! Good for then for finishing it. The video is lovely--they're so excited!
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 1:32 AM on March 3, 2019
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 1:32 AM on March 3, 2019
That’s amazing!
The church I went to as a kid had embroidered kneelers that I still remember. Some were just crosses in blue and gold with the embroiderer’s initials and date but there were memorial ones that had other images - Doves, flowers etc - and the memorial details.
posted by halcyonday at 2:36 AM on March 3, 2019 [1 favorite]
The church I went to as a kid had embroidered kneelers that I still remember. Some were just crosses in blue and gold with the embroiderer’s initials and date but there were memorial ones that had other images - Doves, flowers etc - and the memorial details.
posted by halcyonday at 2:36 AM on March 3, 2019 [1 favorite]
Old ladies. Is there anything they can't do?
posted by Paul Slade at 8:46 AM on March 3, 2019 [3 favorites]
posted by Paul Slade at 8:46 AM on March 3, 2019 [3 favorites]
Thank you for sharing this!! It was the bright point of my morning.
posted by KleenexMakesaVeryGoodHat at 9:03 AM on March 3, 2019
posted by KleenexMakesaVeryGoodHat at 9:03 AM on March 3, 2019
(Oops, I thought this was Westminster Cathedral. Actually a church in Oregon, USA.)
posted by heatherlogan at 12:02 PM on March 3, 2019
posted by heatherlogan at 12:02 PM on March 3, 2019
(The pew cushions are actually for kneeling on during the portions of the service in which one prays [hence, they're referred to elsewhere in the article as "kneelers"]. You don't actually sit on them. But, minor note, lovely article.)
posted by praemunire at 8:08 AM on March 4, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by praemunire at 8:08 AM on March 4, 2019 [1 favorite]
I love the Ramona ones! To a girl in Houston, Ramona's world seemed like another planet. It's still strange to me that those were real places.
posted by fiercecupcake at 9:53 AM on March 4, 2019
posted by fiercecupcake at 9:53 AM on March 4, 2019
I loved the Beverly Cleary ones too! I read all her books when I was a kid, and especially liked the ones about Ramona and her circle of friends and family. When I visited a friend living in Portland and saw that there was a REAL Klickitat Street, I was so excited!
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 7:20 PM on March 4, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 7:20 PM on March 4, 2019 [1 favorite]
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posted by Secretariat at 6:35 PM on March 2, 2019