December 2004 Post, Needlepoint

THE NEEDLEWORK OF POHICK CHURCH

By Jacqueline Wells

Assisted by Joan Stanford-Jeffries

Pohick Church is a continuation of the loving consideration shown by members and friends of the congregation. The needleworkers have contributed so much through special talents to the Church. The Chancel carpet was designed by Claudia Wuigh, and a decision was made to work it in needlepoint. The carpet is 13 feet 6 inches by 5 feet 6 inches. The carpet design incorporates the hickory tree, the dogwood tree,and plants and flowers of Virginia that embrace the Holy Table. A great deal of symbolism is incorporated into the overall carpet design. The carpet was divided into 20 panels to be worked by 22 needleworkers. The initials of the workers are embedded around the edge of the carpet inside. The needleworkers were Elizabeth Keener, Claudia Wuigk, Cynthia and Bob Bowman, Mary Davenport, Theodora McCracken, Jane Fairman, Nancy Barnes, Jean Turner,Jean Shepherd, Connie Myers, Ethel Davis, Verabel Gilles, Kathleen Calhoun, Anne Dillard, Louise Pannill, Anne Gaillard, Susan Powers, Joan Stanford-Jeffries, Jean Lear, Anne Flory, and Jacqueline Wells. The stretching and blocking of each panel was done by Claudia Wuigk, Jane Fairman, Susan Powers, and Joan Stanford-Jeffries. The over stitching, or seaming, was worked on a frame designed and made by Claudia's husband, Eugene Wuigk, and worked by Claudia Wuigk, Teddy McCracken, Nancy Barnes, Ethel Davies, Louise Pannill, and Joan Stanford-Jeffries. The completed Chancel carpet was dedicated in the Spring of 1982, and won the Red Ribbon at the Woodlawn Needlework Exhibition.

The Chancel carpet was carefully designed to be a beautiful and symbolic piece that could be lovingly worked on by dedicated people. According to crafters at the Washington Cathedral, the high quality of the carpet ensures that it will last at least 200 years. With proper care, (clean shoes and smooth heels), the Carpet will survive to be loved and respected by the people of Pohick.