7/1/2009
We have our horse! “Crown of Splendor” is his name! After years of fund raising, “Crown of Splendor” takes his place beside our Aldersgate sign. And a beauty he is! Thanks to all who donated money for this project, and for the talented ladies who brought him to life!
Lawona Broadfoot (pictured at right), Executive Director of Aldersgate with Cheri Barry, Mayor of Meridian
Gray hair is a crown of splendor. It is attained by a righteous life. Proverbs 16:31
Crown of Splendor is a privilege to paint for Methodist Senior Services at Aldersgate. Our purpose is to honor our Lord Jesus and those who have lived long and well and are residents in the present, the past and the future.
The artists:
Carilynn Causey
Laura Abney
Mary Belle Rawlings
Wanda Hastings
Carilynn Causey has been an art instructor for 40 years, the majority of those years spent here in Meridian teaching what she calls “the Lord’s hobby”. She is a nurse by profession and keeps her skills sharp by participating in mission trips to India, sponsored by Tom Cox ministries.
Lawona (Broadfoot) has known Mrs. Causey since she taught Lawona’s son Dane, art lessons many years ago, and when Mr. James’ efforts to raise money for our own carousel horse came to fruition, Lawona knew just who to call.
Carilynn told Lawona she would have to pray about it and pray she did. Three days later while teaching her Sunday School Class at 1st Baptist Church, Carilynn came across the scripture in Proverbs (See above). It simply leaped out at her and she knew she had her vision of what our horse should be. When she asked 3 of her adult students to help paint him, they jumped at the opportunity and the vision began to come to life. Carilynn went to work researching the type of paint that would give the look she envisioned and would be compatible with the seal-coating. After the artists complete their masterpiece, Mr. Charlie Beddingfield (Perfection Collision Center) will seal the horse with a coating that will protect the colors from fading and chipping.
Laura Abney and her family have been in Meridian since 1979. She has always been interested in art, taking classes from elementary school on through college. She loves to draw, had done pen and ink, watercolor, pastels and was ready to learn more about oils when she heard about Mrs. Causey’s classes. She has now been taking lessons from Mrs. Causey for 3 or 4 years. Laura had seen the other carousel horses around town and thought it was perfect for Mrs. Causey to be the lead artist on one. When Carilynn asked her to join in on the project, she gladly agreed.
Mary Belle Rawlings was born and raised in Meridian and has always loved the carousel horses that have come to be a part of the Meridian landscape. Her daughter took lessons from Mrs. Causey and she had told Carilynn many times, “As soon as I retire, I am going to take lessons, too.” That is just what she did about 15 years ago and has enjoyed herself immensely. “Don’t think you can’t do it”, she says. “You can!”
Mrs. Rawlings says she is honored to help bring “Crown of Splendor” to life!
Wanda Hastings finished high school here in Meridian, left for many years and returned about 5 years ago when her Navy husband retired here. She was an elementary school teacher for 27 years and was always involved in art projects; she had not taken formal lessons, though she painted on and off for years. When Wanda’s active mother-in-law, Kitty, moved to Meridian, Sylvia McEachin suggested art classes for her and soon Wanda was hooked as well. She was surprised and thrilled when Carilynn asked her to help with “Crown of Splendor’ and can’t wait to see the finished work of art!
