The Revd Scott Helferty, Rector of the Grace Episcopal Church on School Street in New Bedford, MA, presided over a Sunday service on June 30 at 10:00am to publicly dedicate the Cary Memorial Altar as a sacramental fitting in memory of the late Joan Cary of South Dartmouth, MA. "The altar is a fitting tribute to a woman who loved children, and who appreciated fine things that are both beautiful and functional," says Helferty.

The freestanding altar table was handcrafted by Adriance Furnituremakers of South Dartmouth, MA, whose combination showroom-workshop near Padanaram Village has gained national recognition for fine woodworking that reflects America’s stylistic heritage.

Carol Nelson recalls Joan Cary as a fellow parishioner who remained active in church activities until her death in February 1999. Nelson and Cary served together on the committee responsible for designing the impressive stained glass ‘water windows’ installed within the chancel six months later.

According to Carol Nelson, "The Cary altar is in keeping with an apostolic tradition of sacramental fittings that conveys a sense of ‘visual mass’ and a 'rooted-to-the-earth' permanence." Inspired by a stone altar in a Phoenix (Arizona) church, but implemented in oak to allow for mobility, the Cary design also incorporates architectural design elements that mirror the arch-supporting pillared columns within the chancel end of the Grace Church's interior.

Article from: Martel Public Relations