The crucifix that adorns the sanctuary at Christ the King Parish has a story of its own.  It was made and donated in 1963 by Knights of Columbus member, Mr. Tony Brazac who at the time was living in Kemano.

For many years, Mr. and Mrs. Brazac had prayed to have a child but it seemed to them that this was not to be.  However, they kept praying and eventually God answered their prayers.  They were given a son.  We were privileged to be his godparents.

The crucifix was Tony’s way of thanking God for the gift of their son.  He also in some way wanted to symbolize aluminum for without this metal Kitimat and Kemano would not have existed.  Hence the aluminum filigree work that he designed to surround the crucifix.

Mr. and Mrs. Brazac hoped that this crucifix would forever stand in the church as a constant symbol of thanksgiving for themselves and for all of our parish.
 

The Stations of the Cross which encircle our worship space were made by parishioner and artist Theresa Brousseau.  The Stations were commissioned by Fr. J. McMahon and were made in the mid 1960's.  They were framed when they moved to the "new" church.  The technique used was called "metal tooling" and involves developing a 3D image by working the metal from both sides.  The work took several months and inspriration for the images was taken from sacred scipture and from other images of the Stations of the Cross.  In keeping with the Church's call to use materials that are indigenous to the community, the images are made with aluminum.  The background is painted in black to assist the images in standing out.

The roof slope symbolizes the road of our life, in the beginning it is easy, we are carefree children, then our life changes and becomes harder and harder with pressing responsibilities and for many of us it becomes very difficult and for for some of us extremely difficult.  The road becomes very steep and climbing up the last length demands extraordinary effort and then comes the moment we lose our strength and we stretch our arms to heaven, praying and asking our Father in Heaven for help to complete the journey.  This is represented by the two beams above the steeple pointed toward heaven.  Design by Ted Rusick, Architect.

The Last Supper picture that hangs on the wall near the confessional was crafted by master wood worker Giovanni (John) dal Monte.  The picture was made using the process of Wood Inlay.  This process takes the woods of different colours, textures and grains to paint a picture.  The picture took between 800-1000 hours to make and we can only venture a guess as to the number of individual pieces required to make this unique master piece.  When the Church was located in the basement of St. Anthony's School, this inlay of the Last Supper sat in front of the Church altar.  Giovanni also made the lectern that is used by the priest to hold the Roman Missal.  The same wood inlay process is used for the lectern.

A dedicated group of thirteen women under the watchful eye of seasoned quilt makers Lois Mendel and Jenny Pilkington unveiled their master piece on Saturday, June 19 in front of an overflowing parish hall.  A project that had begun earlier in the year was now ready for its intended audience.

What makes this quilt different from most other quilts is that each parish family at Christ the King had been asked to sign and decorate a plain white square.  It is these squares that form the backdrop and therein lies the beauty and sacredness of this quilt.  Just as each square is unique--with no two squares being alike, so it is with each family whose name is inscribed.

Many of the 445 squares, in various sizes represent families who are among the pioneers in our parish.  Those who have built the church both structurally and spiritually.  Amidst language and cultural diversity they have persevered and have handed down the faith to their children who now form the next generation of Christ the King Parish and whose family names fill the other squares.

Each square tells it own story, some more visually than others but nonetheless its story is there.  Interwoven with these stories is the common story that binds it together, the story of the risen Christ through whom, with whom and in whom Christ the King Parish finds its nourishment, healing and being.  Just as Christ unites us into one body each of the stitches on the quilt unifies each piece making it one.

The 90’ x 91’ quilt will forever remain a sign and symbol for us of the memories, stories, experiences and celebrations that have shaped and formed us into the welcoming, loving, compassionate and vibrant family that we are.  The 50th Anniversary quilt will make its home in the Church for all to see.