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History: The Benedicite Kneelers






The commissioning and installation of the new organ entailed a dramatic change in the layout of the Chancel. The old kneelers, aside from being somewhat tired, no longer fit the new altar rail. Rather than replicating, and adding to, the old set, new kneelers were recommended. The idea was received and approved with enthusiasm.

The then Rector, Canon Ron Davidson, suggested the "Benedicite" as a theme - a Canticle taken from "The Song of the Three Children" in the Apocrypha and a paraphrase of Psalm 148. It is full of wonderful graphic images; the angels rejoice and praise is raised to all the works of the Lord.

Stitching began in February 1985. Eleven CCDP women participated in the work, with a nucleus of six working on every canvas. Original projections allotted five years to complete the stitching. In celebration of the enthusiasm and loving commitment of the stitchers, the project was completed two years ahead of schedule and the kneelers were dedicated on May 15, 1988.

The work is comprised of thirteen sections and has a total length of 50 feet. More than 2,000,000 stitches make up the completed work. The design is continuous, radiating out from the central cushion that proclaims the main theme; "All ye works of the Lord, praise Him and magnify Him forever."

The Benedicite Kneelers were shown in their entirety at the sesquicentennial Liturgical Arts Festival at St. James Cathedral, Toronto, in the fall of 1989, where they received an award for excellence in design and quality of stitching. Sections of the kneelers are often requested for display. They are included in the book, Art of the Spirit, Contemporary Canadian Fabric Art (Dundurn Press, 1992).

The heralding angel has been adopted as the symbol of Christ Church Deer Park.

History of CCDP

Introduction   |   The First Church   |   The Second Church   |   The Present Church   |   Incumbents

Christ Church Deer Park - There's Life Here!

Christ Church Deer Park

1570 Yonge Street
(NW corner of Yonge & Heath)
Toronto, ON M4T 1Z8

Phone: 416-920-5211   |   Fax: 416-920-8400   |     Email


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This page updated: 8 September 2007