The Books of History* are depicted by the Ark of the Covenant, which housed the law. A symbol of Old Testament worship, it was also described as the throne of Yahweh, and was carried by the early Hebrews through their early wanderings. The wings of the two cherubim form an arch of salutation. (Exodus 25) The Breastplate worn by the high priest indicated righteousness. This is a reproduction of the one worn by Aaron, the first high priest. Each stone was inscribed with the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. (Exodus 28) Yahweh, the Hebrew name of the Deity, translates, "I am that I am." It is suitably used with the Ark, the embodiment of the presence of Yahweh. The circle indicates perfection and unity, and the rays, used with a symbol of Divine Being, indicate glory. The Acacia leaf is a symbol of immortality. The hard and durable wood of the acacia tree was used to build the Ark of the Covenant.

*Joshua, Judges, Ruth, I & II Samuel, I & II Kings, I & II Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemia, Esther

The symbol of Micah is used to represent the Books of the Prophets* since Micah 6:8 is often cited as the summation of the eighth century prophets. Showing a temple atop a mountain, it symbolizes the mountain of the house of the Lord. (Micah 4). The candlestand, or Menorah, was a central part of Old Testament worship. With its seven branches, it symbolizes the seven gifts of the spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, piety and fear of God. (Exodus 25) Manus Dei, the Hand of God, is a universal symbol for God the Father. The only symbol seen for nearly eight centuries, it indicates the creative power of God. It is shown in a position of blessing. The "nimbus," or circle of light, signifies sanctity and the three rays represent the Deity. The Fig border denotes fruitfulness and fidelity. At the time of the Bible, it typified freedom and prosperity.

*Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi

The Books of Wisdom and Poetry* are shown by the lamp and the lyre. The lamp symbolizes wisdom and knowledge. (Psalms 119, Proverbs 4) The lyre represents music and joy in worship and praise of God. (Psalms 33) Pillars of Jachin and Boaz stood in front of the entrance to Solomon's Temple, shown here in connection with the Books of Wisdom. The names of Jachin and Boaz mean firmness and strength, and the pillars were symbolic of the permanence of the Davidic dynasty.  The first Hebrew letter of Yahweh is the Yod. Since His name was considered too sacred to be pronounced, this device was often used to portray the Deity. The triangle was one of the first emblems used to indicate the Triune God. Its equal sides and equal angles describe the concept of unity of each Person of the Godhead. The Almond was among the choice fruits of the land. Associated with the flowering of Aaron's rod, it became symbolic of divine approval.

*Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon

The Gospels* are shown by four scrolls around the Latin Cross. This is one of the oldest symbols of the New Testament. The four scrolls, representing Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, can be traced back to the beginning of the Christian era. The Latin Cross, or Cross of Calvary, is used the world over. The three steps of the base indicate faith, hope and charity, with faith being nearest the cross and charity the greatest and broadest. It is also referred to as the Graded Cross. Ichthus is one of the earliest and most complex symbols of the Christian creed or affirmation. It had profound significance to the early, persecuted Christians, and was used as a password. An acrostic, it used the Greek word for fish, IXOYC, to indicate "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour." The Dove was for centuries the on1y authentic symbol of the Holy Spirit. One of the earliest and most beautiful symbols in Christian art, the dove is referred to in each of the four Gospels, appropriately placed on the panel of the Gospels. The Rose of Sharon is commonly seen in Gothic wood carvings and is still popular in churches today. A symbol of Messianic hope, it stands for Christ, Messiah. (Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 3, John 1)

*Matthew, Mark, Luke, John

The Book of Acts which deals mainly with the founding and early expansion of the church, is portrayed by a ship upon the seas, traditionally the symbol of the Christian Church. It has been used from the earliest centuries of Christianity. Its imagery suggests the stormy waves of persecution, and the cross on the sail is a reminder of the presence of Christ, its pilot. (Acts 27) The Five-Sided Star is the great symbol of Epiphany, when Christ was manifested to the Gentiles. It is best known as the Messianic symbol of Christians. Inscribed within is the most familiar monogram of Jesus Christ', the first three Greek letters of the name IHCOYC, Jesus. As Greek was rarely used, the "c" became the more familiar Latin "s." Next to the Dove, the Seven-Tongued Flame is the most commonly used symbol of the power of the Holy Spirit, as it appeared to the apostles on Pentecost. It is properly used with the Acts panel. (Acts 2) The Wheat and Tares is used universally to represent the church on earth. It indicates God's bounty and symbolizes the spiritual harvest we reap. It represents both believers and non-believers, growing out of the parable in Matthew 13.

The symbol of Paul is used to represent the Books of Epistles* or letters of the New Testament, many of which were written by Paul. Paul spoke of the Word of God as the "Sword of the Spirit." The sword, whose hilt forms a cross, is placed under the Bible, and on a shield, indicating faith, and trust. (Ephesians 6) INRI is an abbreviation rather than a monogram. It was the Latin inscription over the Cross of Calvary, standing for "Iesus Nazarenus Rex ludaeorum, Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. (John 19)  The Triquetra is one of the most beautiful of the symbols of the Holy Trinity and is rich in meaning. The three arcs of the circle denote the equality of the three person Godhead; the lines are interwoven, showing unity and indivisibility; the center forms an equilateral triangle, itself a symbol; the arcs form a vesica, or halo, a symbol of glory. The Grape Vine is perhaps the oldest device used to depict the followers of Christ, and has profound significance to all Christians. It symbolizes the church and unity with the Lord. "I am the vine, you are the branches."

*Romans, I ; III Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, I & II Peter, I, II & III John, Jude.

Revelation* is portrayed by the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, following Christ's words, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end." Combined with the cross, it forms a symbol of the eternity of the Saviour. This last panel indicates the hope of new life, "Behold, I make all things new." (Revelation 21)
Chi Rho is one of the most ancient of the sacred monograms. It combines the first two letters of the Greek, XPICTOC, or Christ, and has been traced back to the catacombs. It was first used publicly by Constantine (272-337). The Greek letters OC, Theta Sigma, are the first and last letters of OEOC, meaning God. They are commonly used within a triangle, three equal parts joined into one, to indicate the Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The pomegranate has been used from Biblical times to symbolize immortality. With its many seeds bursting forth, it is a symbol of the Resurrection and is a reminder of the power of the Lord and the hope of new life.

The Development of the Panels

     In June, 1973, a proposal was made to the Board of Deacons and the Church Council of the First Congregational Church of Chappaqua that a Planning Committee be appointed to design eight needlepoint panels expressly for our sanctuary. The committee, which consisted of Mrs. Sherman M. Clough, Jr., Mrs. Richard F. Gruen, Mrs. Richard G. Higley and Mrs. 0. Conrad Trulson, with Dr. Vernon A. Loescher, advisor, spent several months doing research to select an appropriate theme and style. It was agreed that the panels would depict the literature of the Bible.
     Mrs. 0. Conrad Trulson volunteered to do the designs and contributed all of the original art work. Eight women each agreed to needlepoint one entire panel.
     In November, 1973, the designs were presented to the Church Council for final approval and work began in January, 1974. The finished panels were dedicated at the morning service on January 26, 1975.
     Considerable interest has been shown in how the panels were actually made. All of the panels were worked completely in Tent stitch, except for the frame, which was done in the Hungarian stitch. This stitch provides a rich, textured finish to the panels and, with the mitered corners, effectively encloses each group. Shades of twelve different colors were used, but each color is seen in at least two different panels, adding to the unity of color. Three shades of green were used in the leaf-borders to produce a natural shading. Symbolism is found in the colors as well, with the gold and red colors of the God symbols denoting Divinity, white representing purity, green meaning renewed life, brown indicating service to God and man, and blue standing for truth and faithfulness.
     The parchment effect of the background color is achieved by working two colors together. The gold of the Hungarian stitch frame is blended with an off-white shade to give this interesting effect, which changes in varying lights.
     The finest Persian yarns were used on a No. 12 gauge canvas. The panels measure 24" by 40" each and there are over 138,000 stitches in each panel. The actual needlework took one year to complete.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

With deep gratitude, we thank those who have given so much of themselves to create these panels of enduring beauty and meaning.

CANVAS ART WORK
Mrs. 0. Conrad Trulson (Barbara G.)

NEEDLEPOINTING
Books of the Law-Mrs. Arnold W. Thompson (Marian H.)
Books of History-Mrs. W. Frederick Timme, Jr. (Elaine 0.)
Books of the Prophets-Mrs. Robert A. Willey (Helen W.)
Books of Wisdom and Poetry-Mrs. Richard F. Gruen (Mary H.)
The Gospels-Mrs. Sherman M. Clough, Jr. (Suzanne P.)
Book of Acts-Mrs. Ward E. Lambert (Katherine B.)
The Epistles-Mrs. Richard G. Higley (Marcia A.)
Book of Revelations-Mrs. Lewis M. Roberts (Betty S.)

FINISHING AND MOUNTING
Mr. Victor H. Colson
Mrs. Jack K. Loewen (Cary A.)

BOOKLET DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATION
Mrs. Lawrence W. Littig (Ann)

BOOKLET TEXT
Mrs. Sherman M. Clough, Jr. (Suzanne P.)

We are deeply indebted to the Board of Deacons and the Couples Club who have given so fully of their moral and financial support. In addition, we gratefully acknowledge the following gifts and memorial donations: