HUNTERSVILLE — When the St. Mark Church community was formed in 1997, parishioners first met in a nearby bowling alley, just down the street from the current location on Stumptown Road. Eventually the Monsignor Joseph Kerin Family Center was built, followed by the school and then the 1,400-seat church complete with a bell tower, piazza and fountain.
During the parish's early years, a daily Mass chapel was created out of the old library space in the Monsignor Kerin Family Center where parishioners would go to pray throughout the day. Eventually weekly Eucharistic Adoration was introduced and then in 2011, Perpetual Adoration was offered in the former daily Mass chapel which was no longer needed after the new church was built in 2009.
Over the course of time, parishioners saw the need for improving the Perpetual Adoration Chapel which had been renamed for retired pastor Monsignor Richard Bellow who introduced the practice of perpetual adoration to the congregation at St. Mark.
Over the course of the summer, the parish has witnessed the transformation of the Adoration chapel by local artist Jacob Wolfe.
Pictured: Adorers pray before the Blessed Sacrament in the newly renovated Adoration Chapel at St. Mark Church in Huntersville. (Mike FitzGerald | Catholic News Herald)
Father John Putnam, pastor of St. Mark Church, shares how the renovations unfolded.
"Prior to my arrival, a number of parishioners had expressed to Father Arnsparger (the former pastor) a desire to beautify the chapel," he explains. "When I arrived, I spoke with the folks that were interested and asked Jacob to offer some ideas. He put together the plans and we moved forward."
We live in a world that often puts function first, Father Putnam said. "We decorate area shopping malls and our houses and often treat our places of worship as nothing more than warehouses. To some degree, art for the sake of art and beauty has been lost.
"Creating something beautiful simply because it is for the glory and honor of God and our edification is at the heart of the matter. We wanted to do something that expresses our love for the Blessed Sacrament and helps those who come to adore meditate upon Him and the glory of heaven."
Wolfe, the Catholic artist and designer who grew up in Tryon, began to explore his love for art during his college years at Appalachian State University in Boone. He developed his skills under the guidance of Father Patrick Winslow, then pastor of St. John the Baptist Church in Tryon.
Wolfe also studied furniture design and has since studied under a master sculptor and a master carver. He says Michelangelo's phrase "sempre imparo," meaning "to learn more," has become the motto for each project he undertakes.
"As far as inspiration is concerned, the chapel itself was designed in a Romanesque style with hints of baroque," Wolfe explains. "Most of my motivation for this design was found in the beautiful layers of 'Cathedra Petri' at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome designed by Bernini in 1666.
Artist Jacob Wolfe uses a stencil to paint gold stars on the ceiling of the redesigned chapel. Wolfe did touch-up work like this late at night to minimize disruption for the adorers. (David Hains | Catholic News Herald)"Bernini was known for many things, but I am most amazed by the way Bernini was able to unite art, sculpture and architecture into one true work of art. This idea of these two parts working as one is something I always strive for with my work."
Wolfe notes that, although there were budget restrictions as in any project, "we were able to pull together a design that works for the small space and unites both an architectural façade with sculptural elements.
"The Holy Spirit relief along with the other sculptural elements are all designed to surround the monstrance containing Our Lord with beauty. Also, these elements give those praying a sense of meditation and reflection on the glory of the Holy Eucharist."
Longtime parishioners Gini and Allen Bond, who helped start Perpetual Adoration at St. Mark Church, are thankful for the redesigned chapel.
"My husband Allen and I are so very grateful to Father Putnam and the parish donors that made this beautiful renovation of our Adoration Chapel a reality," Gini Bond says. "Our Eucharistic Lord now has a throne that gives Him great honor.
"The golden rays of the Holy Spirit which are now the image behind the monstrance remind me of the stained glass window depicting the Holy Spirit in St. Peter's in Rome. These images help to lift my spirit heavenward during my time of Adoration."
That is exactly what Wolfe hoped for with his design.
"From the lion medallion in the flooring to the crowns in the stencil work, the chapel was redesigned to help keep one's focus on Jesus while having a beautiful sacred space to do so."
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter. Other photos provided by Amy Burger.
