History – Mayflower Treasures
Note cards highlighting these treasures are available for purchase through Priscilla Circle.
THE STORY OF MAYFLOWER’S BRONZE MEDALLION
The cast-bronze medallion is installed in the center of the floor in the narthex of Mayflower Congregational Church.
It is 4-feet in diameter and depicts the original Mayflower in low relief, surrounded by an inscription with the name of the church and the date of its incorporation.
The area around the ship includes nautical insignia such as the olive branch, mariner’s compass and the friend of all sailors, the dolphin.
It was produced by the Art Craft Bronze Company of Detroit with the help of Italian sculptor, Bernardo Morescalchi, and installed in 1961.
MAYFLOWER CHANDELIERS
The eight Georgian brass chandeliers in the sanctuary of the church were installed in 1963.
Each has 18 lamps and globes.
They are on retractable cables and can be lowered for cleaning.
THE HISTORY OF MAYFLOWER’S ORGAN
This Tellers-Lauck pipe organ was first installed as a 68-rank instrument in 1968. An anonymous donor gifted the organ to “all past, present, and future choir members of Mayflower Congregational Church”.
It was extensively reworked by Lauck Pipe Organ Co. in 1998 and is now one of the largest instruments in West Michigan with 92 ranks of pipes.
The design of the console reflects the Georgian colonial architecture of Mayflower Church.
THE STORY OF THE MAYFLOWER BELL
The six-hundred-pound casting of the bell metal was made in the Netherlands and brought to this country by the I. T. Verdin Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio, one of the oldest firms in the business. Its tone is B-Natural.
It was christened June 21, 1961 and was manually rung each Sunday morning. Its toll attachment was first used at the time of the death of the late President John F. Kennedy.
THE MAYFLOWER SHIP MODEL
The 1-3/4 foot long ship’s model was constructed by Leonard D. Verdier, Jr. for Mayflower Congregational Church in 1968.
It is on display in the church parlor.
THE STORY OF MAYFLOWER’S WEATHERVANE
The weathervane on top of the 150 foot steeple of Mayflower Congregational Church is a 5 foot long replica of the original Mayflower.
It is made of solid copper covered with 23-carat gold leaf and is balanced with lead weights in the hull to be sensitive to the lightest breeze.
It was produced by the E. G. Washburne Company of Danvers, Massachusetts
Gifted to Mayflower Congregational Church
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Gifted to Mayflower Congregational Church
Grand Rapids, Michigan
by Laura Mae Ripley
