Finally catching up on my research here. It's been awhile since I've posted. My friend Sandy and I recently visited St. Catherine of Siena Church in Burlingame, California.
St. Catherine, a Catholic church, was built in 1909, and Sam Berger did most of the woodcarving in this beautiful church.
Sam did all of the carving on the altar which is quite spectacular in person..
Ambon carved by Sam
So much detailed carving on the walls and confessionals of which he carved all...
The bare wood shows the beautiful grain, color tone and detail. According to one of my cousins, my great-grandfather was quoted as saying, "painting wood is blasphemy." Obviously, he was a purist.
Up and to the left is the organ cover that Sam carved, as well as the railing.
These acorn-shaped adornments are at the base of the railing. They seem to go on forever and are spectacular in person!
This is a small chapel inside the church. It is quite beautiful and again, Sam did most of the carving in here...
St. Catherine's is not only a Catholic Church but also a school for children.
This was a wonderful day seeing yet another breathtakingly beautiful church that my great-grandfather carved. If you're in the Bay Area, you should visit St. Catherine Church. Truly a beauty.St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church
1310 Bayswater Avenue
Burlingame, CA 94010
image credit: Photography by Sandy
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The craftsmen of days gone by who created such amazing and beautiful works of art, as your great-grandfather did, are so often forgotten. This is a wonderful way of honoring his talents and creations, which are breathtaking.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing...
Jessica