A Look Back. Recently we were fortunate to receive several vintage photos from John and Frances Flemming.  These photos document the process of John creating the cross that hangs in our Holy Trinity Church today. Frances was gracious enough to share some of the history…
“In 1985 John Fleming was living in Old Deerfield and worked as a staff artist for the Channing L. Bete Company.  At home, John created sculptures in his barn and drawings in his studio.  (Deacon) Joe Bete, who owned the company was an active member of Holy Trinity Church. Pierre Belhumer is an architect living in Greenfield and the official architect for the Diocese overseeing the renovations of Holy Trinity Church.
John was commissioned to create the Crucifix which is now hanging from the ceiling of the church.  This took an extended period in his studio because of his daily job at Channing L. Bete. The Crucifix with Christ is created in steel with several layers of lacquer. The Cross has a gold plating.”
As an accomplished artist, John has had solo shows of his work at the Channing L. Bete Company, the Greenfield Public Library, and the Rockport Art Association and Museum of which he is a member. He won numerous awards for excellence in sculpture and graphics, including the Marguerite Pearson Gold Medal for best in show. 

Today, almost 40 years have passed since the installation of this beautiful Crucifix, and has been the backdrop for hundreds of Masses, marriages, baptisms, and funerals.