Description: John Ander Runkle, Episcopal priest, Historical Architect leads retreats and pilgrimages discovering Sacred Space.
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In 2009, Washington National Cathedral completed the carving and installation of three limestone statues located above the sedilia [1] . The statues depict three people who were chosen for this honor because of the extraordinary manner in which their lives personified Christian virtues. The three are John Donne, a 17 th -century English poet and cleric in the Church of England; George Herbert, who also was a 17 th -century English poet, orator and Anglican priest; and Howard Thurman, a 20 th -century Afri
The statues were designed by Chas Fagan, a gifted American sculptor, who not only renders his subjects in incredibly realistic fashion, but also incorporates thoughtful symbolism into his designs that captures some compelling aspects of the person’s life.
For example, Mr. Fagan depicted Howard Thurman in his preaching robes to convey his commanding presence as a preacher and orator. Dr. Thurman is standing, leaning forward in earnest on the balls of his feet toward the congregation, as though conveying an urgent message of great importance. In researching the life of Dr. Thurman, Mr. Fagan learned that a mighty oak tree was an important symbol to Dr. Thurman, a manifestation of God’s strong and enduring presence over the course of his life. Thus, Mr. Faga