When the doors are closed during the seasons of Advent and Lent the piece shows the figures of the archangels Gabriel and Michael and symbols for the four evangelists. In the predella there are three small pieces showing the Hebrew Scripture events, from left to right, of Elijah and the chariot of fire; the angelic visitors to Abraham and Sarah; and the giving of the Ten Commandments to Moses. The work took approximately two years to complete.

The Altar
When the triptych was commissioned, the altar was conceived by the Halletts as a companion piece. The installation of the altar was completed and the first Holy Eucharist was celebrated at it on the First Sunday of Advent, 1994.

The altar top is done in marquetry. The artist was the late Hans Tomanek of Dallas, who used woods obtained during his lifetime of travel throughout the world.

The Front Left Panel – The Crucifixion. “Christ has died” The icon depicts the crucified Lord placed between the crosses of the two thieves.

The Front Center Panel – The Resurrection. “Christ is risen” The risen Lord has broken the bonds of death and of hell.

The Front Right Panel – Christ in Glory. “Christ will come again” Our Lord is present, enthroned and surrounded by the four living creatures described in Revelation.

The Left End Panel – Hebrew Figures. “So great a cloud of witnesses” Heroes and heroines of the Old Testament are represented in a group with their identities described by their clothing and attributes.

The Right End Panel – Christian Saints and Martyrs. “So great a cloud of witnesses” The group of children who lead the procession represent the Holy Innocents.

The Back Panels – The middle panel of the back of the altar bears the figure of a seraph, one of first choir, of the first rank of angels who stand above the throne of God.

The Tabernacle
The Tabernacle was commissioned from the J. Theodore Cuthbertson Company in 1982, and is fashioned of bronze bark with a bronze Tau Cross and Crown overlaid on its doors.

The Sanctus Bell
The Sanctus Bell was cast at the Taylor Foundry, Loughborough, England, the same foundry which cast the tower bells. It is tuned to A above middle C. The bell is suspended over a cherrywood base which was designed and crafted by Wash Adams, a member of the parish.

Review transfigurationart.pdf for a more detailed look at the Church of the Transfiguration’s fine art collection.