The Bas-relief of Christ  - Early on in the planning of the “new” sanctuary, the one we now occupy, plans were made to have Eugene Romeo create a bas-relief of Christ. Mr. Romeo was a prominent member of the church and a highly recognized sculptor. This bas-relief of Christ, with arms outstretched, was placed in the Crego Chapel. An interesting and unexpected aspect of the bas-relief appeared after it was finished and lighting was installed to illuminate the sculpture. The light cast a distinct shadow to the left of the face that clearly resembled the profile of a child. Because of this child face from the shadow, the Crego Chapel was often requested for baptisms.

The Bas-relief of the Reformers - This sculpture is located on the wall opposite the main entrance to the Church from Courtland Avenue, near the church offices. It was also created by Mr. Eugene Romeo as a gift to the Church from Helen Miller in memory of her daughter, Sandra, who fell to her death while saving the life of her friend.

The idea of the “reformers” was borrowed from the campus of the University of Geneva, Switzerland, where four stern figures of religious reformers dominate one side of the campus. Our bas-relief features the six reformers most revered by the Community Church, conceiving that if they were alive today, they would be in friendly conversation with the World Council of Churches.

Below each figure is a quotation of each reformer, as follows: ALEXANDER CAMPBELL, “The doors of the church should be as wide as the gates of heaven.” MARTIN LUTHER, “Here I stand: I cannot do otherwise; so help me God.” JOHN KNOX, “One man with God is always a majority.” ROGER WILLIAMS, “God requireth not an uniformity of religion to be enacted and enforced in any civil state.” JOHN WESLEY, “I look upon all the world as my parish.” JOHN ROBINSON, “The Lord has more light and truth yet to break forth out of His Holy word.”

The bas-relief expresses the idea that the great reformers had much in common, and that their followers today should be sharing their spiritual goals.

Other works of Mr. Romeo - Mr. Romeo fashioned the crèche used on the altar at Christmas time.

The bust of the Rev. Dr. Orvis Jordan, located in Jordan Hall was completed by Mr. Romeo.

The bas-relief sculpture in The Ellenger Transept is also a work of Mr. Romeo.

Artwork Throughout The Church - Throughout the church building are various works of art, mostly paintings, which have been purchased through or given as memorial gifts over the years. The nature of these works of art are to lift and inspire the viewer and bring the person closer to God. Should you have any questions about any of the artwork, please speak to one of the pastors.

Baptismal Cross in the Narthex - Embedded in the floor of the narthex is an ancient Christian symbol: the Baptismal Cross. This cross was selected because it calls us to remember two central elements of our faith life. It marks “our going out and our coming in.” First, upon entering the sanctuary, we are reminded of our baptism—our welcome into the beloved community by God’s grace and through the waters of baptism. The symbol is actually two crosses—and so the eight “arms” remind us that we come to this place from a wide variety of religious backgrounds and experiences. When leaving the sanctuary, those same eight “arms” send us outward to all points of the compass, to live out our faith in service to God’s people wherever we may go.