1. The scaffolding is set up

2.  Old fabric is removed

 3.  New fabric attached to frame

4. The wall without the dossal

5. Panels are returned to the nave

6.  Reassembly begins

   7.  The panels rise

   8.  . . . and rise. . .

   9.  . . . and rise. . .

   10.  . . .and rise to the top.

   11.  Project complete!

   12.  Banners are dropped.

Dossal Replacement Brightens Chancel

The week following the Third Sunday of Advent was a busy one for Pastor Elkin and a crew of hearty volunteers. In one day the crew, which included Lou DeSeau, Paul Zimmerer, Bob Schultz, John Hoffman and Bob Miller, removed the dossal panels, cut off the gray, dingy fabric, attached new fabric and reinstalled the panels in place behind the altar.

A new material, designed to resist dirt build-up, was applied to replace the material that was installed in 2000 to lighten the area behind the altar. The original red material had been in place since the church was dedicated in 1960. The light colored dossal had, in recent years, attracted dirt and looked dingy.

The cost of the Mellotone acoustic fabric was borne by the Ruth Lunger Memorial Fund. The use of the scaffolding was donated, as was the use of a truck to transport the scaffolding. Because of the efforts of our member volunteers, the only labor cost was in the assembly the scaffolding.

The result - revealed on Sunday December 20, 2008 - is a chancel dossal that is a stunning backdrop to our beautiful cross and that serves to accentuate the architectural magnificence of St. Mark's nave. The team of volunteers who worked so hard to complete the project achieved a fine result.

1960                         2004                        2008