Special Table Dedication Dec 12

• General Interest
Rev. Szombatfalvi József carves symbolic images in March 2020 into the table that is a gift from Follen’s partner church in Transylvania. Our own Andy Dixon, a cabinetmaker who built Follen’s front doors, helped make this American basswood table for our vestibule. Basswood has been used for centuries on both sides of the Atlantic – particularly in churches – to make finely carved objects.


Rev. Claire to dedicate table carved for Follen

Early in March 2020, Rev. Szombatfalvi József, a Unitarian minister and master woodworker from Transylvania, Romania, finished making a gift from Parohia Unitariana, our partner church in Szentmihaly (Sent-me-high). Rev. József unveiled the beautifully carved table during our service on March 8, 2020 – the last Sunday before our congregation began holding services only online for 17 months to avoid spreading Covid-19 among parishioners.

As you know, Unitarianism originated in Transylvania in the 16th century. Our new table features traditional Transylvanian designs and a recognition of our 30-year partnership.

At worship on Sunday, December 12, Rev. Claire Feingold Thoryn will dedicate the table during a first-ever joint Zoom service with our wonderful partner church congregation!

Please join us in the Sanctuary in person or via Zoom that day to dedicate this wonderful gift for our vestibule. Our Transylvanian partners will join us during what for them is a special service at 5:30pm their time.

Details on both sides of the Atlantic are still being finalized, but the service will include a short Zoom presentation about the table and live images from Transylvania.