Church’s tree carving promotes ‘power of prayer’

Until last week, chain saw artist Jeff Coss had carved dozens of animals, but never a larger-than-life pair of praying hands.
Coss, a chain saw carver from Cumberland, spent three full days in Glenwood last week, transforming the trunk of a storm-damaged ash tree into an 8-foot tall piece of public art near the entrance to St John’s Episcopal Church at 111 N. Vine St.

“Yes, it’s my first set of praying hands,” Coss said. “The biggest challenge was taking it down from its original size (15 feet) to where it’s at now.”

Karen McCallan, a spokesperson for the church, said the tree was damaged during a storm last year and would have done damage to the church had it not been for a small cross that stands on the roof above the vestibule.

“It had dropped a branch down and damaged the cross, but the cross protected the roof,” she said.

After considerable discussion, the church contacted Coss to see if he would be interested in turning the tree into a symbolic piece of art.

“As a congregation, we believe so much in the power of prayer,” McCallan said. “It really lends itself to it.”

Even as Coss was carving out the hands last week, the praying hands were starting to create a buzz in the Glenwood community. Curious motorists were slowing down to see his work and local residents were inquiring about the carving on social media.

“As long as people can tell what it is, I’ll be happy,” Coss said with a smile.

The carving will require minimal maintenance, Coss said – an occasional coat of sealer.

A formal dedication ceremony for the carving will be held at a later date.