New artwork added to CLTS catechetical baptismal font

Photo: Dr. Thomas M. Winger

ST. CATHARINES, Ont. – In May 2021, Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (CLTS) consecrated a new baptismal font in the seminary’s Martin Luther Chapel announcing an ongoing project “to add small pieces of artwork depicting the Christian Church’s ministry in Word and Sacrament, based on the model of catechetical fonts in mediaeval England.” 

Photo: Dr. Thomas M. Winger

The first piece of artwork was installed and blessed in the fall of 2021, revealing the font’s central image which depicts the crucifixion of Jesus. CLTS writes of this first icon:

“The depiction of Jesus is decidedly muscular–He is the Stronger Man who through His death defeats and binds the strong man, Satan (Matthew 12:29). Witnessing His death are John the Evangelist, a Roman soldier, and the three women, as described in the Gospels. Beneath the cross are the bones of Adam, reminding us that by His death Christ (the Second Adam) reversed the curse that brought death into the world (Romans 5:12-14). (An ancient legend says that the place of crucifixion was actually where Adam’s bones were laid to rest by Melchizedek. This was Golgotha, the Place of the [his!] Skull.)

From Christ’s side flows a river of blood (John 19:34), which is caught in the chalice of the Lord’s Supper. The cup is held by Martin Luther as a representative of the pastors who carry forth the divine gifts to God’s people. The crucifixion scene is the first of eight pieces to be placed into the font’s facade; all of God’s gifts flow from His atoning death.”

Baptismal font with Baptism of Our Lord Icon

The second piece of artwork was installed and blessed this past May, depicting the Baptism of Our Lord. CLTS writes of this second icon:

“Jesus stands in the Jordan river, flanked by John the Baptiser and two ministering angels. The Holy Spirit descends upon Him in the form of a dove. The Father is represented by His words (in Greek, Ο ΥΙΟΣ ΜΟΥ Ο ΑΓΑΠΗΤΟΣ ), literally: ‘The Son of Me, the Beloved’ or ‘This is My Beloved Son’ (Matthew 3:17). Jesus’ Baptism was understood by the early Church to be the foundation and source of every Christian Baptism. The rich blue colour of the water and green grass symbolise the life that Baptism brings.”

Both icons are the work of Lutheran artist, Harrison Avery Prozenko, a member of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church (Halifax, NS) now living in Montreal. Prozenko also designed “Lutheran Church–Canada’s Badge”, which emblazons Luther’s Rose on a Canadian maple leaf, in addition to the logo for LCC’s most recent 2022 Synodical Convention.

The seminary expresses their thanks to the Seminary Guild whose members have provided gifts to fund this ongoing project.

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