In 1966, St. Philip’s undertook a mighty project: needlepointing the many beautiful church altar cushions. How did we find time? We had many commitments, especially with family and serving on many church and civic committees, but we found the time, and it was accomplished in two years.

Mrs. James Hagood, Antoinette, my mother-in-law, spearheaded the project. She appealed to members of the church to needlepoint or to give generously, as a memorial, to accomplish this expensive project. She found the designer, Mrs. John Preston (Mary Louise) from Tryon, NC; the wool from England; the upholsterer, Mr. Stazenberger; the needlepointers; and the donors in record time. Canon Cobb chose the central theme for the cushions at the altar rail: the twelve apostles called by Jesus. The measurements allowed for nine cushions, though, not twelve! The problem was solved when symbols of the apostles were used: four single symbols and four double symbols. The center cushion was marked with a cross encircled with a wreath of wheat, meaning abundance. The acanthus leaves identified the cushions as belonging to St. Philip’s Church.

Double Symbols on Cushions Representing Eight Apostles

1. St. Thomas, Spear and Ruler; St. James (the lesser), Saw

2. St. Philip, Basket for Bread and Cross; St. Matthew, Moneybags

3. St. Matthias, Axe and Bible; St. Andrew, Cross and Anchor

4. St. Jude (Thaddeus), The Ship; St. Simon, Fish and Bible

Single Symbols on Cushions Representing Four Apostles

1. St. Simon Peter, Cross and Keys of Heaven

2. St. John, Chalice with Snake

3. St. Bartholomew, Knife with Oak Leaf

4. St. James (the Greater), Three Scallop Shells

In the late 1980s, there were also four large cushions and four smaller cushions sewn for the altar. Each has a different cross: Calvary, Patriarchal, Jerusalem, St. Andrew’s, the Step, Maltese, and Greek.

Additionally, there are two stools needlepointed for the clergy. One is for the Bishop, and one is for the Litany Desk (or the St. Paul prayer desk) with Bible and sword.

The cushions were dedicated during Morning Prayer on the Second Sunday of Advent, December 8, 1968, with a service of dedication and remembrance entitled: “The Dedication of the Needlepoint.”

At the time of the dedication of the altar rail cushions in 1968, Antoinette Hagood wrote this most appropriate poem:

In Memoriam

This teamwork task is finished,
A lovely dream come true.
One woman couldn’t do it all,
The hours are too few.
Yet all together, working,
Have helped to see it through.

Each thrusting of the needle,
Each golden cross on red,
The symbols of the Apostles,
Through the months have sped.
Our thoughts are woven through them
To departed loved ones led.

These cushions for thy altar
We offer – Lord above,
Praiseworthy memorials
Our Christmas Gift – with love.

Editor’s Note: These beautiful cushions were stored ahead of the scaffolding installation and construction work in the sanctuary.