These kneelers are dedicated to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Dorothy Ella Smith 1929-2002. Monies from the following made this project possible: the estate of Dorothy Ella Smith, gifts from the Blowing Rock Chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild, Annie Hellen Thomas, Needlework room and lemonade stand Tour of Homes (one year only) and ECW. Yam for the background was purchased. Flower yam came from the stashes of Dorothy Smith and Mary Ellen Raulerson. Many of the stitchers donated yarn they purchased for special effects.

Kerstin McDaniel of Asheville, NC and Sweden was chosen as the designer and finisher; she visited St. Mary of the Hills several times prior to her presentation drawing inspiration for the design from the following:

Mary Garden - ivy. Altar - carved crosses. Stained Glass Window in Sacristy - symbol - crown Mary Queen of Heaven, Painting of Mary and Christ Child - flowers of the Blue Ridge.

The acolyte kneelers were received and started in August 2002. The Altar rail kneelers were received and started in February, March, and May 2003. The Bishop's cushion and Pre dieux received in August 2003. The project was completed in July 2005, taking approximately 43,000 hours. Stitchers are as follows:

Bishop's cushion: Beth Postlethwait (2,000 hours)
Crucifer's kneeler: Louise Cone (1,500 hours)
Pre dieux: Nioucha Branstrom (1,500 hours)
Acolyte Kneelers: Nancy Brittelle, Bobbye Dutt, Mollie Frazer, Josephine Esteves, Becky Johnson, Martha Jones, Barbara Page, Luella Rundell, Adrienne Sherrow, Pat Stockhoff, Annie Hellen Thomas, Frances Waters, Mollie Wilson (1,500 hours each kneeler)
Altar Rail Kneelers: Bo Henderson, Center; 3,000 hours; Joann Hallmark, Beth Lawler, Maria MacKenzie, Jane Milner, Mary Ellen Raulerson,, Adrienne Sherrow, Annie Hellen Thomas, Iris Caldwell (2,500 hours each kneeler)

Please touch, examine and give thanks for the beauty of each kneeler. There were designed and stitched prayerfully and always mindful of their intended use. The stitchers are so appreciative of the prayers and support from our loved ones and this Church community. Name/names are on the back of each kneeler. Please remember in your prayers those we no longer see, Barbara Page who helped stitch and Dorothy Ella Smith who planned to design and help stitch this project. They will be with us always in spirit and most especially on this joyful day of dedication.

Needlework Committee

Iris Caldwell, stitcher and facilitator of the new kneeler project
Gae Best
JoArm Hallmark
Rick Lawler
Maria MacKenzie
Jane Milner
Beth Postlethwait
Mary Ellen Raulerson