Gift celebrates Stations of the Cross
Antique plaster relics, survivors of a church fire on the East Coast, were originally part of 14 Stations of the Cross. The three pieces were donated to Bonners Ferry United Methodist Church by Mark Truesdell.
(Courtesy photo)
Shortly before his passing, Mark Truesdell gifted three vintage plaster reliefs to the Bonners Ferry United Methodist Church. He wished for them to be installed on the lounge wall in the church. The antique plaster relics, survivors of a church fire on the East Coast, were originally part of 14 Stations of the Cross.
Born and raised in Bonners Ferry, as an adult, Truesdell lived a travel-filled eclectic life, collecting and creating art. He returned to his hometown and opened Papa Byrd’s in the 1990s. His love for Christ and strong faith were shared and accepted by the church people.
Upon Mark’s passing, the gift of three 2-foot by 3-foot plaster reliefs, each weighing perhaps 50 pounds, fell into further disrepair as they were moved from room to room in the church. No one knew how to repair or hang them on the concrete lounge wall.
Five years, nearly to the day after Mark’s passing, a church attendee offered an attempt to repair the plaster reliefs. Volunteers transferred them to a heated workshop. The work began and continued. The heavy relics came to life, visually revealing the scriptural story.
Six months later, at the beginning of Lent 2023, the relics depicting the story of the passion of Christ, hang on the lounge wall in the United Methodist Church in Bonners Ferry — just as Mark Truesdell envisioned.
The community is invited to join the congregation on Frday, April 7, at 5:30 p.m. for Good Friday Service. The gift from Mark will be dedicated and blessed. A simple potluck will follow and an invitation to partake in the Stations of the Cross.
Bonners Ferry United Methodist Church is located 6568 Lincoln St.