Special pictures in the sanctuary at Lebanon First UMC

Some years ago, Joe Zimmerlee, at that time an antique dealer in Lebanon, secured at a sale in East St. Louis a roll of silk fabric, which was hand-embroidered throughout with beautiful designs. He felt this fabric had probably come from a Catholic cathedral long since torn down.

Mr. Zimmerlee did nothing with his purchase for several years, but one day had an inspiration to take his “find” to Geneva Bennet, a talented lady within the church, to see if she might have an idea of something that might be done with this unusual roll of what he felt were possibly important religious symbols and which additionally were beautifully done in silk thread with intricate flawless stitches. (The photo of Mrs. Bennet, taken in 2005, was provided by Joe's spouse, Ann Zimmerlee.)

Geneva added four more designs, which she had uncovered in storage in our church. These designs are not hand-done nor are they as intricate as those from the silk roll, but they are none the less beautiful. She and her husband, Mort, who was also atalented workman, together carefully cut and framed the various designed. The results are what you see in the sanctuary and pictured here.

We have numbered the seven hangings in order to identify and say a few words about each, particularly suggesting what might be the symbolism present, and which no doubt made them important to church ceremony of the day. They may be viewed in any order but in order to use this guide, do the following:

After you enter the sanctuary, go to your left past the Hypes (stained glass) window to Picture #1, and then follow the numbers counter-clock wise around the back of the sanctuary.

Picture #1: This is one of the designs cut from the silk roll, very old, very delicate, its symbolism painfully easy to understand: a spear, a sponge, nails, and a crown of thorns. Look carefully and you can see where the fabric is held together from the back by stitch witchery.

Picture #2: Another of the extremely old ones from silk and embroidered in silk thread, this one with it palm leaf and crown of thorns was surely associated with Palm Sunday. This crown is beautifully colored in yellow and gold, with red and green touches, (soft colors all), and very skillfully cut from its delicate background. Again look carefully to see where it too has been held together from the back.

Picture #3: This deep red monogram of Jesus, IHS, was found in our church. (IHS are the first three letters of the name of Jesus in Greek.) The background of this emblem was so badly deteriorated that it had to be cut completely away and the monogram was remounted.

Picture #4: Another one from the silk roll, this complex and beautiful maroon cross is variegated in brown silk thread and entwined with leaves and grapes. On the cross is the monogram IHS, and wheat, symbol of bountifulness, grows from the base.

Picture #5: One of the four found in our church, this one is framed without being removed from its original mounting. The chalice with white wafer bearing IHS and over all a nimbus is the central expressive act of thanksgiving in Christian worship: grapes and vine together symbolize the blood of Christ in Holy Communion. Colors of green deep ivory, (and) beige make this a beautiful addition to our sanctuary.

Picture #6: Here is another monogram of Jesus, IHS, this one also found in our church.

Picture #7: The dove on this hanging could represent the third person of the Trinity (the Holy Spirit), a baptism symbol, or “gentle spirit.” The dove was also a message of peace to Noah in the flood. (This picture is hung just to the right of the doorway to the right of the chancel area, leading to the education wing.)

On the back of the framed hangings created from the symbols found in our own church, the following may be found:

1898-1998

100-year celebration

Paramentia (circa) 1800’s

Donated by Colonel Mortimer and Geneva Bennet

On the back of those found and purchased by Joe Zimmerlee, are these words:

(circa) 1800’s

Donated by Lt. Col. Joseph & Ann Zimmerlee; Colonel Mortimer & Geneva Bennet