St Christopher's Episcopal Church, Chatham, MA

2023 Installation by christina laberge

Inspired by the movement of water and the flow of the Holy Spirit

The Origin of the Work

Based on a triptych painting in the baptistry, this set of paraments and vestments was created to mark the retirement of a beloved rector. The design reflects a continuous movement that begins at the font, flows across the altar and pulpit, and extends outward into the world.

detail of the wall art inside the church that inspired the wave idea

Inspiration from the Baptistry

The triptych painting provided both visual language and theological direction. Its movement suggested a current, guiding the design across each element of the sanctuary.

Nautical elements throughout the church informed the materials and tone of the work.

stained glass windows in St. Christopher's church, that inspired the parament design
architectural wave detail inside St. Christopher's church
The strong vertical lines of the church organ inspired the vertical shapes of the altar frontal

The Flow of the Spirit

altar paraments with blue scroll design in church sanctuary

The design moves intentionally through the space. It begins at the font (left), crosses the altar (center), and continues past the lectern (right). Each piece participates in a larger visual and symbolic current.

The Installation

View of the chancel with coordinated paraments and stained glass windows

The theme of the flow of the Holy Spirit moves through the space to flow into the world. This modern design is wrought in dupioni silk with embellishments in gold braid and beading.

Vestments

white clergy stole with blue scroll pattern
The chasuble echoes the scrolls and colors from the paraments

The Paraments

altar frontal with blue scroll bias applique
altar paraments with blue scroll and wave shape continued from the other paraments
pulpit fall with blue scroll embroidery in church. This piece starts the movement across the sanctuary.
lectern fall with blue scroll applique in St. Christophers, Chatham, MA

Materials

Dupioni silk provides structure and depth, while gold braid and beading introduce light and movement, echoing the reflective qualities of water and glass.

dupioni silk and gold braid detail
dupioni silk and beading detail
gold divider centered (1)

Every Church Has Its Own Story

Each project begins with listening: to the space, its symbolism, and the story it already holds. Whether shaped by architecture, artistic elements, or long-held traditions, the design grows from what is already meaningful to your community.

The result is not simply a set of textiles, but a cohesive visual language that supports worship and reflects the identity of your church.

Start a Conversation