Weary crew
Weary crew takes a break
The old cloth
Removed dossal cloth
Old fabric is removed.
2.  Old fabric is removed
installing scaffolding
1. The scaffolding is set up

The result - revealed on Sunday December 20, 2008 - is a chancel dossal that is a stunning backdrop to our beautiful cross and that serves to accentuate the architectural magnificence of St. Mark's nave.  The team of volunteers who worked so hard to complete the project achieved a fine result.

New fabric attached to the frame
 3.  New fabric attached to frame
The wall without the dossal panels
4. The wall without the dossal

7.  The panels rise
Panel installation
9.  . . . and rise. . .
The panels rise
8.  . . . and rise. . .

10.  . . .and rise to the top.
Finished project
11.  Project complete!
Final decoration
12.  The final act - banners are dropped in place

5.  Panels are returned to the nave

6.  Reassembly begins

St. Mark's Lutheran Church

142 Market Street

Williamsport, Pennsylvania

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Dossal Replacement Brightens Chancel

The dossal replaced!
Dossal December 2008

Dossal 1960
 

Dossal 2004
 
The dossal, 2007, showing dirt.
Dossal 2007
 

The cost of the Mellotone acoustic fabric was borne by the Ruth Lunger Memorial Fund.  The use of the scaffolding was donated, as was the use of a truck  to transport the scaffolding. Because of the efforts of our member volunteers, the only labor cost was in the assembly the scaffolding. 

A new material, designed to resist dirt build-up,  was applied to replace the material that was installed in 2000 to lighten the area behind the altar.  The original red material had been in place since the church was dedicated in 1960.  The light colored dossal had, in recent years, attracted dirt and looked dingy.

The week following the Third Sunday of Advent was a busy one for Pastor Elkin and a crew of hearty volunteers.  In one day the crew, which included Lou DeSeau, Paul Zimmerer, Bob Schultz, John Hoffman and Bob Miller, removed the dossal panels, cut off the gray, dingy fabric, attached new fabric and reinstalled the panels in place behind the altar.