Sunday we worshiped at the historic, beautiful Banner Elk (North Carolina) Presbyterian church, built in 1893.
The original structure was all stone. The interior has since been modernized but retains the unusual, stone pulpit with such an interesting history.
The arch between the chancel and the pulpit seems to connect the past to the present. I do love old churches.
This photo is posted on the church web site.
Just sitting in the 119 year old sanctuary was a spiritual experience. The service made our attendance even more meaningful.
In order to keep with the sewing focus of this blog, I want to point out the appliqued wall hangings on either side of the sanctuary. I don’t know when this trend began, but now it seems that every church has banners decorating their sanctuaries.
It is likely the product of women’s need to express love with needle, thread and fabric. In the past, parishioners stitched elaborate tapestries with Biblical scenes. Today, church women’s handiwork is more likely quilted and/or appliqued.
If these interest you, google church banners. The links take you to sites with commercially created banners as well as actual churches showing banners made by members of the congregation.
At any rate, the simple banners at Banner Elk Presbyterian are well suited to the stone mountain church.
Sometime, I will post pictures of the beauties at our church, made by a group of ladies some years ago.  Are there banners in your church? Commercially or member made? Special holiday banners or year round hangings?
