The Old Rugged Cross
A note on the history of the wooden processional cross from Archdeacon Don Burr, member of Christ Church, East Norwalk:
The "old rugged cross" was crafted by my father, Alan C. Burr, Sr., nearly 40 years ago. The idea was to process with something more "humble" during the season of Lent, before returning to the more ornate processional cross at Easter. Alan and his four brothers grew up as part of St. Paul's on the Green in the 1920s, 30s, and 40s, (Father Emerson and the congregation played an instrumental role in their formation) before Alan's young family found their way to Christ Church, East Norwalk, in the early 1960s.
I can remember vividly the crafting of this cross because, once he had it beautifully put together, Pop asked me to use old pieces of chain, hammer heads, nails, and screwdrivers to mark the wood of the cross, making it appear more "rugged" once we applied the stain and finish in his shop. Even today, there is beauty in the old cross.
Over the years, the cross has been carried curing Lent; and even on occasions when a young crucifer couldn't bear the weight of the heavier brass crosses. This most recently occurred last month when our seven-year-old grandson, Bradley, served as crucifer for the funeral of my brother, Bo.
Thank you for allowing the "old rugged cross" be part of the Lenten season this year for the people of St. Paul's on the Green — I pray they find as much beauty and meaning in it as I have all these years.
Peace,
Don
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Music at St. Paul's Choirs Adult volunteers and the St. Paul’s Choristers and Choral Scholars come together to lead the hymns and anthems at worship each Sunday. The choirs also participate in concerts, special services such as Evensong, and other events throughout the year. The Compline Choir (separate upper and lower voices choirs) sings chant and polyphony every Sunday night for the 8 PM service of Compline. St. Paul’s maintains a roster of professional singers that are called to sing special services throughout the year. St. Paul’s believes deeply in the power of congregational singing, and so our choir’s primary responsibility is to lead and inspire congregational song. Though we use the Hymnal 1982 as our primary musical resource, we frequently draw from other sources as well. Organ Our 1928 E.M. Skinner organ was installed and enlarged in 1992, and was restored and enlarged in 2007 by the Reuter Organ Company of Lawrence, Kansas. Seasonal recitals featuring talented organists are offered during the year. Visit the Events Calendar for updates. Read more, and see the organ’s specifications. St. Paul’s Chorister Program The St. Paul’s Chorister Program, is open to all children in grades 2 – 8. The Choristers meet weekly to rehearse and sing with the Schola Choir bi-monthly at the 11 am service. Rehearsals incorporate supplemental music education and fun! The program is free to all students and you do not need to be a member of St. Paul’s (or any church!) to participate. St. Paul’s Choral Scholars Program The Choristers are supported by Choral Scholars, high school aged students who often are pursuing musical careers of their own. This program offers an exposure to a wide variety of choral repertoire, and develops skills in sight reading and leadership. A honorarium is available to Scholars. If you would like more information about music and arts programs at St. Paul’s or would be interested in joining the choir contact Josh Ehlebracht at music@stpaulsnorwalk.org .
Art with Heart 1st & 3rd Saturday of the Month at 10 am Explore spirituality through art! No experience needed—just bring your creativity and an open heart! Everyone from preteens to adults is welcome to join the fun! Supplies are provided, or bring your favorite medium.