Ethan Emerson, who grew up in our church, created the font from 200-year-old woodremoved from the steeple during renovations in 2015. This baptismal font is moveable and complements the congregation’s existing stationary marble font. Ethan designed this unique piece and shaped and molded the wood to reveal the natural beauty of its grain—thus giving a piece of our history a new purpose for generations to come.
Ethan has been building custom furniture for 20 years and is the founder of Wolf Hill Furniture in Gloucester. The company specializes in creating custom, hand-crafted furniture from salvaged, reclaimed and repurposed wood. We are blessed to have this fine example of his work.
This project was commissioned by the Deacons and funded through the Living Memorial Fund. Expenditures from this fund are at the discretion of the Diaconate and are used for special purchases or projects of a material nature. Gifts to the Living Memorial Fund are a lasting tribute to loved ones at the time of death or later. If you care to contribute to this fund, you may mail a check to The First Congregational Church of Rockport, c/o Living Memorial Fund, 12 School St., Rockport, MA 01966, naming the person to be memorialized.
Consecration Prayer. May 23, 2021
O God of beauty and truth, whose graciousness extends throughout the generations and whose presence fills our lives with joy, be present with us now, we pray. O Holy God, we present and dedicate this handcrafted baptismal font to be consecrated to your glory, for service in this church, and with our congregation. We pray that its presence in our sanctuary will enhance our worship of you. We also ask that you pour your Spirit of blessing, strength and grace upon Ethan Emerson, whose hands so carefully and beautifully shaped the wood. All this we ask in Jesus name. Amen. Camilla Ayers, co-chair, Board of Deacons
