A Wall of Faith

The design for the Trinity mural at 2001 Riverside Avenue uses the traditional symbols for the four evangelists:
• Matthew: the man or winged man
• Mark: the lion
• Luke: the ox
• John the eagle

Matthew traced the genealogy of Jesus, emphasizing His humanity. The image of a man, or winged man, reminds us of this facet of his gospel. Mark begins with the well-known verse: "the voice of one crying in the wilderness.”
A lion's roar comes to mind with that phrase, and a lion's demeanor has always suggested the image of royal dignity … that aspect of our Lord who reigns over creation. Luke's gospel focuses on atonement, and so the ox, as a traditional sacrificial animal is an appropriate symbol. John is associated with the eagle, as his writing is infused with insight and inspiration as he contemplates the divinity of Christ.

The first inspiration for a mural theme, however, originated in a scene found on the back step and parking lot of Trinity’s building on any Wednesday night: groups of children and youth gathered for play and recreation. The theme of Jesus and his love of children came to mind.

As Trinity committed to an African outreach, the ancient Coptic murals in Ethiopia became another inspiration. The use of animal symbols for the evangelists, bright colors and large eyes were elements in this work. The priest’s cap is the sort of cap the orthodox priest wears today in that region, as well as the crucifix he uses when greeting fellow Christians. The Amharic letters were taken from the Amharic translation of the names of the four evangelists.

The mural concept attempted to blend these African styles with the theme of the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper, suggested by the water in the fountain
and the people gathering at a table. Neighborly hospitality pulls these themes together with Jesus’ outreach to children. The presence of the Good Shepherd may be hinted at by the presence of the thirsty sheep.

The fish is one of the oldest symbols for Christianity as well as a reference to our location near the river. The use of that symbol today reflects the unbroken stream and continuity of Christian life from the past to the present.
In Greek, the acrostic of "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior" spells fish. Drawing the simple diagram of the fish was a way for these early persecuted Christians to identify themselves to one another and express their faith in a disguised manner so as not to arouse suspicion by the authorities.

Our hope is that Trinity's mural will contribute to our neighborhood with visible hand-painted images that help reveal the INVISIBLE things of the Spirit.

Larry Rostad, mural developer, August 2005