In the light and fragrance of a trimmed beeswax candle, award-winning artist Rebecca Pearl recently completed a historic portrait of the Graceham Moravian Church entitled, Morning Star Graceham Moravian Church, 1892.
The Graceham Moravian Church was organized in 1758, and the current building was erected in 1797, a combination parsonage, church, and school; the current sanctuary was added in 1822. The painting shows the Church in the original red brick, prior to a change to white stucco in 1942, and several later additions.
Before beginning Morning Star, Ms. Pearl read a History of Graceham and watched a Moravian Christmas Homecoming video created by the congregation. She was intrigued with the beauty and simplicity of Moravian traditions and architecture and, in particular, with the spiritual significance of the joining of home and sanctuary.
Speaking of her experience, Ms. Pearl said, “This was far more than just doing a painting of a building. With the great help, love, and support of Pastor Sue Koenig and the parishioners, this work of art was conceived. The collaboration gave me an insight and education of the history of the Moravian people from centuries ago to present time. I had no idea of the gentle simplicity and deep faith in the “Lamb” of God by these people. I love the magic of the Moravian Star and the beautiful symbol it carries.”
The painting was unveiled at the formal opening of the new Main Street Center in Thurmont on Friday, November 13, 2015, the same building that was the Thurmont Moravian Church, built in 1874. It was one of eight churches included in a second painting unveiled the same evening by Ms. Pearl, entitled the Spires of Mechanicstown.
Ms. Pearl met with members of the congregation in the church’s Heritage Room, sharing faith beliefs, practices, and traditions of the Moravian Church, looking at photographs and images of postcards from the late 1800s from the church’s records, and provided by the congregation and the Moravian Archives. The Joint Board, with input from the congregation, suggested the Christmas Eve setting. (Portraits of the present-day church in spring were painted by artist Rebecca Bennett, daughter of the Rev. Warren and Mrs. Doris Wenger, as a gift for the congregation’s 250th Anniversary in 2008.)
Ms. Pearl is graciously giving a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the prints to the Graceham congregation; in turn, the congregation will use the funds received to support ministries and services in the community.
Ms. Pearl will share her journey of the painting at the 10:30 a.m. worship service at the Graceham Moravian Church on Sunday, November 29. A reception for conversation with Ms. Pearl and print signing will follow the worship. The church is located at 8231-A Rocky Ridge Road in Thurmont.
Prints of Ms. Pearl’s painting, Morning Star Graceham Moravian Church 1892 are available in two sizes: (14”x18” and “12×17”) at $95.00 and $55.00. A few larger prints (22”x30”) are available on request at $175.00. Ms. Pearl may be contacted at rebeccapearl123@gmail.com.
