“Light Shineth in Darkness” tapestry

2005

CHURCH OF ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST • PORT HOPE ONTARIO CANADA

COMMISSIONED BY CANON JOHN READ & FAMILY TO HONOUR THE MEMORY OF BISHOP ALLAN READ & BEVERLEY READ

John’s father, Bishop Read, would begin each Christmas Eve service by reciting in the darkened church the Prologue to St. John’s Gospel. The tapestry represents his ministry which enlightened and embraced many people and cultures.

The central shape – a 3-dimensional spiral that divides light from darkness – can be interpretted many ways: a sail swirling around a mast, a typical church building with 3 entrances, a grand cope and mitre, inner chambers of ear or shell.  A triangle of vertical ribbons represents the 12 apostles and also organ pipes, music being an ongoing gift of the Read family. Above that are tongues of flame.

Many personal images are incorporated, such as Beverley’s favourite purple irises, the annual Mohawk seed-blessing festival, and Allan’s delightful drawings.