Tabernacles: Combining the Old and New

When it comes to creating beautiful custom artwork, we always take great pride in our ability to take our client’s ideas and create something new.  However, there are also many instances when we are also approached by parishes hoping to incorporate a heritage element into a piece they are commissioning – adding a whole another dimension to the project.

Incorporating a heritage element always makes a commission more challenging, because not only do we have to meet logistical needs of the current project, but we also have to take into account the aesthetic challenges the older piece may present.  Construction techniques, materials and artistic styles have varied quite a bit over the decades, so in many cases an older piece isn’t an easy ‘match’ to the style of a new construction or renovation.

Tabernacles are one liturgical fitment in particular that we often have requests to incorporate an existing piece into a new design.  However, this is not a surprising request when one considers the significance of the celebration of the Eucharist in the life of a parish.  So what better to celebrate the history of the parish than finding a way to incorporate an older, ‘well loved’ tabernacle into the new design plans.

Having approached this design challenge several times in the past, there are two routes we typically follow to try to blend the two styles of the old and new.  The first and easiest route is to just enclose the existing tabernacle entirely in a newly created exoskeleton, so it is only visible when it is in active use.  This is a popular solution when the older piece is very simple or not the most eye-pleasing, because it allows the greatest stylistic freedom and ensures that the new tabernacle will fit well with the contemporary space.  By using the old tabernacle as the internal enclosure, the heritage piece is still an integral part of the tabernacle’s role in the parish, but circumvents any aesthetic shortcomings that the tabernacle may possess.

St. Joseph Catholic Church

Fort Atkinson, WI

New tabernacle enclosure and doors - existing tabernacle serves as case.

 

Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church

Lubbock, TX

New tabernacle face plate and doors - existing tabernacle serves as case.

 

Catholic Church of the Holy Apostles

McHenry, IL

New Altar of Reservation with enclosed area for existing tabernacle.

St. Mary Catholic Church

Mount Vernon, IL

New tabernacle enclosure with existing tabernacle contained within.

The second design approach involves creating a new exoskeleton for the existing tabernacle, but still allowing the older tabernacle to still remain visible.  This is option some parishes choose when there are important design elements on the existing tabernacle that they hope to carry into the new space, such as a relief on the doors.  While a bit more challenging at the offset, it is often possible to create a happy union between the old and new by introducing new materials or design elements that compliment what is already present.  While the new exterior is being created, the elements of the heritage tabernacle that will remain visible are also often restored, often revealing a beautiful piece that was just hidden behind years of use.  Thus, by visibly including important elements of the older tabernacle into the new, it also possible to ensure an important element in the spiritual life of parish remains in the community.

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church

Waterford, WI

New tabernacle enclosure featuring existing tabernacle doors and case.

St. Phillip of Jesus Catholic Church

San Antonio, TX

New tabernacle enclosure featuring existing tabernacle doors and case.

If you have any questions or your faith community has a need for liturgical artwork, feel free to contact us at any time.  Or please visit our website at www.inspiredart.com.