I created a simple, working pattern for what I call "book desks." These are great for writing papers, sermons, etc. They are made from pine which is very easy to work with, though the staining is somewhat tricky. For seminarians, I have been burning the Saint Luke's cross into the wood as a center piece.
I have now built a few of these "prayer benches" which are modeled after the pattern found in Martin Smith's (former SSJE) seminal work, The Word is Very Near You: A Guide to Praying with Scripture. (Cambridge: Cowley Publications, 1989). These are great for contemplative prayer. I've also burned the Saint Luke's cross in the center. I've used poplar since these require support.
The "Saint Luke's Cross" is the official cross of the School of Theology, Luke being the patron of our community. Why it's Celtic, I have no idea. A metal, pectoral version is presented to all graduates during Commencement. I'll have mine in two days! These are wall crosses done in pine.
Finally, I am excited to begin work on my summer project, an icon crucifix. This is a Western-style San Damiano but written in the Byzantine tradition--I really like blending the two. I went ahead and cut the wood and prepared the icon board so that I don't have to fiddle with it once moved. This will be my first crucifixion scene. I wanted to make this large so as to inhabit a chapel one day.
This is what I'm after here. This icon cross is found in the lower church of the Community of the Resurrection in Mirfield, West Yorkshire. When I first saw it there I knew that I wanted the challenge in trying my hand at writing one. We'll see...
I guess you really can do anything with an Masters of Divinity degree!
