CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (October 24, 2018) | by Thad Oliver — Tom Swearingen, internationally acclaimed woodcarver and sculptor based in Cohutta, Georgia, has reproduced a statue of Jesus on the Cross which he originally crafted from 1987 to 1988. The sculpture will replace HIS ORIGINAL crucifix in front of St. Martin of Tours Episcopal Church on East Brainerd Road. The new 28-foot tall sculpture will be installed on Monday, October 29th, Between 9:00 and 10:00 AM on the church lawn.
The original statue has become part of Chattanooga arts history and a landmark in East Brainerd. The Chattanooga Times reported on the creation of the sculpture in 1987 and it has since been documented in national trade publications.
Swearingen, along with Rod Patton, members of the National Wood Carvers Association, decided to carve the cross from a dead oak tree in front of the church in 1988. Ninety-percent of the sculpture was carved using chainsaws. Swearingen finished the figure’s facial detail with a pocket-knife.
Swearingen still carves from local timber with a saw mill and chainsaw. His work has an organic feeling and conveys a sense of timeless continuity with the natural world. He says he started woodworking as a child, and it became a career. Decades later, his work includes carousel animals, home crafts and furniture, and jewelry.
The parish of St. Martin hopes the community will appreciate the roadside icon. Reverend Jim Wallace, who is Rector at St. Martin, invites the community to come Monday, October 29th, to help St. Martin’s celebrate this important event in the life of this church. Easter in October!
“The crucifix has a ministry of its own,” said Wallace. “For example, a young woman left a short, written note in our mailbox one summer day. ‘I just broke up with my boyfriend,’ she said, ‘and am feeling awful. I walked past your cross and felt God’s presence. Please call me.’ And she left her cell number. So I called, and we talked. ‘I still feel the presence of God with me,’ she shared, as our conversation unfolded.” Wallace said, “I’ve come to deeply value its presence.”
Calvin Parker, Bob Combs, and Ken Aupperle, who led the restoration effort for St. Martin, said, “our new wood crucifix is a symbol of our church and Christian faith, so please join us to make this special day even more special. Christ is Risen, again!”
Everyone is invited to attend.
St. Martin of Tours Episcopal Church is located at 7547 East Brainerd Road Chattanooga, TN, 37421.
