The Transfiguration Centennial Quilt
On Sunday, April 14, 1998, Father Alfred Isacsson blessed the “Quilt”, which was gifted by the Transfiguration Seniors, for the Parish's celebration of the Centennial reflecting the history of the Church of the Transfiguration. The genesis of the project began in 1996 with a suggestion from John Piazza and it concluded in 1999 with the “Quilt” being publicly displayed for the Parishioners.
The idea was to create a quilt made of unique squares each depicting the history of Transfiguration Parish, which was, indeed, a challenge. The process involved many steps each utilizing a variety of parishioners. Sophie Janos and Catherine Dietz, who took up the challenge, used their skill and knowledge to convert ideas into cloth. They guided the project by insuring the embroidery, appliqué, and sewing were all properly coordinated, so the 25 square design provided an accurate historical perspective of the Church.
The choice of design was crucial, since each square had to represent a significant event or person associated with Transfiguration's history. While there were a large number of suggestions, the decision was made the following events had to be included:
- The founding of Transfiguration School by Father Wholley.
- The initiation of the Transfiguration Seniors Club, which was conceived by Fr. Reilly
- Recognition of the Sisters of Mercy, who were dedicated teachers at the Parish School.
- Depiction of the first Transfiguration Church and the existing Church, which was completed in 1960.
The placement of the squares was given a great deal of thought and consideration, so the history of Transfiguration could be told effectively. In order to accentuate the squares, gold sashing was used to exemplify the beauty of the art work. The batting and backing had to be completed before the quilt was finally stitched. Finally, a 4” gold cloth framed the perimeter of the Quilt, which completed the project.
The entire undertaking was a labor of Love, in which scores parish members assisted on the project. Mary Kane very generously donated funds needed for materials. Midge Staffiera inspired fund raising events, which was very helpful in funding the project. Finally, Richard Dietz, who had a career as a craftsman and carpenter, assisted with the design, layout and he also provided valuable advice. He personally designed and crafted the rod carrying the quilt and handcrafted the wooden case, which now displays the Transfiguration Quilt.
The quilt was presented to the Church on December 16, 1999, where it is prominently displayed.
The Quilt “Squares” Defined:
The entire quilt measures 74” by 74” with each square measuring an even 12” by 12”. The squares reading from left to right starting with the top row are described as follows:
- GOLDEN JUBILEE
- REV. ANTHONY J. WHOLLEY, O. CARM
- INTERNATIONAL MASS
- SAINT PATRICK
- OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL
- MATRIMONY
- OLD TRANSFIGURATION CHURCH, 1896
- ALTAR
- BAPTISM
- CONFIRMAION
- SACRET HEART
- STAINED GLASS WINDOW-THE TRANSFIGURATION
- TRANSFIGURATION PARISH CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
- THE CARMELITE SHIELD
- EASTER
- THE LAST SUPPER
- THE TRANSFIGURATION SCHOOL, SEPT. 1949
- NEW TRANSFIGURATION CHURCH
- NATIVITY, CHRISTMAS
- BLESSED MOTHER
- HOLY COMMUNION
- SISTERS OF MERCY AT TRANSFIGURATION SCHOOL, 1949
- TRANSFIGURATION SENIOR CLUB, 1985
- REV. JAMES. E. REILLY, O. CARM
- MUSIC MINISTRY
Transfiguration Church Recognizes and Pays Tribute to the Parishioners, who Participated in Designing and Fabricating the Centennial Quilt:
Designers:
Anne Byrne
Catherine Dietz
Marion Gallaher
Carol Gray
Sophie Janos
Mary Lester
Rose Ziegler
Embroiders:
Argyro Buglione
Catherine Dietz
Carol Gray
Sophie Janos
Mary Lester
Mary Sheehy
Rose Shuttenberg
Mildred Staffiera
Sewers & Quilters:
Catherine Dietz
Sophie Janos
Assisting:
Jean Balthazard
Jeanette Calpalbo
Patricia Guinta
Mary Elizabeth Gurren
Elizabeth Hynes
Peggy Lenahan
Frances Morabito
Mary McCarthy
Paula McGovern
Anna Patterson
Marion Piazza
Florence Palermo
Sarafina Randazzo
Helen Schrader
Joan Wald