Artwork in
the Church
“Come, go down to the potter’s house, and there I will let you hear my words." So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel. Jeremiah 18:2-3
Park Ridge Community Church has been blessed by the wide variety of generous gifts and artistic talents of the members of the congregation.
Artwork of Eugene Romeo
Long term Park Ridge resident and PRCC member, Eugen Romeo was a highly recognized sculptor in the first half of the 20th century. Working from his studio on South Courtland Avenue, Romeo using a variety of materials: bronze, marble, iron, and plaster.
Mr. Romeo’s work can be seen at the Park Ridge Public Library along with the Board of Trade, Shedd Aquarium, Soldier Field, Civic Opera House, Merchandise Mart, Blackstone Theatre, and the Wrigley Building. In the early 1950's he generously created several beautiful works of art for installation during the construction of the current church structure.
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The largest piece, a bas-relief of Christ, with arms outstretched is installed in the Crego Chapel. An interesting and unexpected aspect of the bas-relief appeared after installation. The lighting illuminating the sculpture casts a distinct shadow to the left of the face that clearly resembles the profile of a child. Because of that, the Crego Chapel is often requested for baptisms.
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Outside the church office there is a bas-relief titled, "The Reformers" combining 6 admirable figures in Church history. Below each figure is a quotation from the portrayed reformer:
Alexander Campbell:
“ The doors of the church should be as wide as the gates of heaven.”
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Martin Luther:
“Here I stand: I cannot do otherwise; so help me God.”
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John Knox:
“One man with God is always a majority.”
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Roger Williams:
“God requireth not an uniformity of religion to be enacted and enforced in any civil state.”
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John Wesley:
“I look upon all the world as my parish.”
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John Robinson:
“The Lord has more light and truth yet to break forth out of His Holy word.”
Additional Romeo artwork resides in the Ellinger Transept. On the west wall there are two Gospel inspired panels depicting events in Christ's life: the first shows Jesus curing the blind, the second is of Jesus visiting the home of Mary and Martha.
Baptismal Cross
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There is a Baptismal Cross inlaid into the floor in the narthex. The symbol is actually two crosses, making eight ‘arms’. The number eight is the symbol of new life; the sacrament of baptism represents the new life of a believer in Christ. It also marks the eight day interval between Christ’s entry into Jerusalem and his resurrection.
Upon entering the sanctuary, we are reminded of our baptism - our welcome into the beloved community by God's grace through the waters of baptism. The eight 'arms' also remind us that we come to this church from a wide variety of religious backgrounds and experiences.
When leaving the sanctuary, those same eight 'arms' send us outward to all points of the compass, to live out our faith in service to God's people wherever we may go.
Stained Glass Altarpiece
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The focal point of the altarpiece in the Sanctuary is the Tiffany-style stained glass panel that depicts the baptism of Christ. This antique piece, circa 1909, was originally installed in the former First Christian Church of South Bend, Indiana.
Two family gifts contributed to its' placement. The Tiffany panel was renewed and restored by Jan Steiner’s family in memory of her mother.
The stained glass window was gifted by the Steiner family to the church. Nancy Ady provide the gift of installation, commemorating the memory of her late husband, Bob Ady.
