Designing furniture for churches is different from other custom design. Normally the nave or other sacred space is already furnished with elaborate woodwork built(sometimes hundreds of years ago) by craftsmen who are no longer around. The existing woodwork is beloved by the congregation and any new addition must complement it. By photographing and studying design elements in the existing pieces, I design new works that meet the modern needs of the congregation while feeling like they've always been there.     The free standing altar above is a perfect example. The design of the altar rail was scaled up and adapted to create the design.  Rubbings of the stylized lettering were used to create the inscription  on the front of the altar. The drop pendants were turned and carved to match . The white oak was stained to match the existing woodwork.      Each piece I design is as unique as the space it is built for. Normally I visit the space if at all possible however, I've done complete designs from photographs e-mailed to me. There is no fee for design work and a central piece like an altar is usually very attractive to parishioners interested in making a memorial gift. If your fair linen is hiding a card table, consider giving me a call at 302-220-3377.      Other custom work is on the next few pages.      Rick Kirk

Saint Paul's Chestnut Hill - Free Standing Altar

Walnut Altar for Christ Church Hackensack designed and stained to match the existing woodwork. The column, cross and arch designs of the altar all echo the existing architecture.

Walnut Altar in the Corinthian Greek Revival style. The altar needed to be narrow enough to allow people to process between it and the chior stalls. The sanctuary is lined with Corinthian columns and pilasters and the woodwork is all in walnut.  This is reflected in the altar design which features hand turned, fluted columns and a hand carved inscription.  The gold leaf on the inscription brings the altar to life. It was decided to leave the finish natural rather than bleaching it out to match the older wood. The natural light in the space will slowly lighten the wood just as it has the rest of the woodwork.

Altar installed in santuary

Altar for Christ Church, Short Hills, NJ.  I don't have pictures of it installed yet because the floor of the sanctuary is being replaced. The design  elements were are taken from the existing interior. Altar is in quartersawn white oak with a custom stain.

Detail shot of the side of the altar

Detail photo of existing  woodwork in sanctuary