Processional Cross Made For St. Nicholas’ Church in Amherst Cove

Pictured above are The Rev’d Eli Cross, Harry Wareham, and Estrella Ford (widow of Derrick), along with members of the family
Pictured above are The Rev’d Eli Cross, Harry Wareham, and Estrella Ford (widow of Derrick), along with members of the family
Photography: 
The Rev’d Eli Cross

Detail of crossSt Nicholas’ Anglican Church was constructed at Amherst Cove in the 1890s, and has witnessed a story of perseverance for more than a century. No one can remember ever having a processional cross at church. On January 20th, 2021, the rector brought a wooden cross to use in a funeral, never realizing the impact it would have. The funeral for the late Derrick H. Ford was the occasion, and the cross that was used was originally from a nearby church, which is now closed and deconsecrated.

At another funeral less than a month later, the warden, Harry Wareham, requested that the cross be placed in service again. At the end of the liturgy for the second funeral (Calvin Skiffington), Harry asked if we thought it silly for him to construct one for St Nicholas’ Church.

Fast forward two months, after another shutdown for COVID-19, and then to the first worship back at St Nicholas’ on the first Sunday after Easter 2021. Harry had finished his project, and the family of Derrick Harrison Ford presented a processional cross to the Glory of God, and in memory of Derrick, who is also Harry’s nephew. Harry’s Processional Cross is constructed from cherry, mahogany, maple, and pine.

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