One of the finishing touches of the renovation of Tryon Presbyterian Church in 2018 included a stunning and meaningful piece of art work created by artist Dale McEntire now hanging on the stone wall of the narthex—the Harmony Tree. 

This 7ft. by 7ft. sculpture made from oak, cast glass, steel and brass was donated in memory of Donald Schegel, a long time member of the church, by his friends and family. 

The Donor Recognition Committee requested the sculpture represent diversity and commitment of the church. McEntire, says,” I am grateful for the opportunity to create this sculpture in my community. My inspiration and concept was based on traveling along a path in the forest through a cathedral of trees. I extend my gratitude to the collaborators of this project, craftsmen Dave Fisher and Paul Santini whose skills, friendship, and support helped make this vision a reality. 

The geometric shape ’vesica pisces’ where two circles intersect to create a fish shape is found throughout Christian history. It represents the intersection of the realms of the divine and matter, a reference to Christ. The twelve abstracted leaves portray the disciples of Jesus. Each unique leaf has unifying qualities revolving around the sun. The central circle is symbolic of the light and teachings of Jesus. My intention was to create a work that represents universal harmony, realized through the love and wisdom we share with one another.” 

Fisher, a finishing carpenter and boat builder, and Santini, a machinist, worked throughout a 6 month period with McEntire: Fischer with the preparation of the red and white oak where some of it originated from a tree that had to be removed for the safety of a neighbor’s barn and was stored and cured for years at Fisher’s place, and Santini, with the design and manufacturing of the hardware and with aspects of fitting the parts together with brackets and anchoring it to the wall. 

Visitors are welcome to experience the Harmony Tree at Tryon Presbyterian Church on Harmon Field Road during office hours or during a worship service at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays. 

Submitted by Betty Hill