Stained glass window detail that inspired the deep blue shade of the custom paraments

St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Dedham, MA

2021 Installation by Christina Laberge

A Memorial Commission

This installation was created as a memorial set of Advent paraments shaped through close collaboration with the altar guild.

View of the chancel with custom altar paraments in dark blue with stars

The Installation

An early concept involving silkscreening was set aside in favor of techniques that would bring greater depth and visual impact to the design.

Through the use of metallic thread painting and the addition of Swarovski crystals, the work achieves a sense of drama and luminosity appropriate to the Advent season.

Vestments

The priest in Dedham models her advent stole that coordinates with the custom altar cloth
handmade clergy stole with liturgical design inspired by the window colors
Bespoke chasuble with jesse tree and silver and rose couching, to coordinate to the paraments of the church in Sutton

The Paraments

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The Eucharistic veil that coordinates with the paraments and vestments at St. Paul's
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“More beautiful than we had anticipated… and it never fails to elicit high praise.”

The Rev. Melanie McCarley, Rector

The star detail in memory of a treasured individual at St. Paul's in Dedham

Symbolism & Meaning

This shooting star motif, incorporated into the frontal, serves as a tribute to the individual being memorialized. It brings a sense of movement, light, and remembrance into the life of the parish.

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Every Church Has Its Own Story

Each project begins with listening: to the space, its symbolism, and the story it already holds. During a site visit we explore the architecture, artistic elements, and long-held traditions. The design grows from what is already meaningful to your community.