Shattered by Hurricane Rita in 2005, each piece of this cross has distinct character and significance commemorating the shattered front window of the St. Andrew Sanctuary.

The Rita cross was a collaboration between Elder Raymond Clawson and stained glass artist Frank Thompson.

THE BASE- made from Louisiana Cypress.

THE TIMBER- from a foundry structure in Jeanerette, LA. (1850-2003)

The "Rita Cross" History
The Rita cross was a collaboration between Elder Raymond Clawson and stained glass artist Frank Thompson. The cross is made of the broken glass from the front window of the sanctuary that was shattered by Hurricane Rita. Each piece has distinct character and significance. The base, for example, is made from cypress timber that is grown in Louisiana. This timber was part of the sturdy structure of a foundry in Jeanerette, which operated from 1850 to 2003. It symbolizes the firm foundation of our faith. It supports the cross as God supports us in our daily lives. Upon closer inspection, one can see the nail holes which could represent the nails left at the foot of the cross--each one rusting away.

The cross's design is simple, reminding us of the basic and simple teachings of Jesus through the scriptures.

The broken glass from the sanctuary window was Hurricane Rita's calling card, and our call to rise from the ruins. To see these broken pieces brought out the connecting love and unity of our Presbyterian Church. These broken pieces brought people together from St. Andrew, the local area, the state, and across our nation to help us put the pieces of our church back together. We worshiped and worked together----many labored with us and sent financial assistance. All of the pieces are now back together as symbolized in this cross.

All of the pieces are of a different size and shape, but contribute to make the cross. A band of ancient brass encompasses the pieces signifying God's encompassing love for us; no matter how diverse in size, shape and thought we may be, we are the Body of Christ.

In the center of the rose pattern is a triangle of red glass which represents the Trinity---God's presenting Himself in three persons. The surface of the "Trinity Glass" is rough and broken reminding us that when God came to earth in the form of Jesus Christ, His short ministry had rough and disappointing times. The red glass could represent a drop or two of the blood He shed for us, again reminding us of His death as He fulfilled His destiny of taking upon Himself our sins, and the sins of the whole world.

The candle mounted behind the cross produces light that will shine through not only the dark window glass and clear acrylic, but also through the red Trinity piece. This represents God's Holy Spirit shining through when we have our dark days or clear days or down red days. When we accept God's love and grace, we can let His light shine through us.

During the Rita Cross dedication ceremony, Elder Raymond Clawson closed with the following prayer:

"Eternal God, Creator of the world, we dedicate this cross to your glory in joyful celebration of the lives of our people over these 50 years. May it be a witness of your presence in this place and may each significant feature represent our better understanding of Your love, by the sacrifice of Your Son for our sins. As the chisel and mallet are tools to create, may this cross be the tool that will create in us Your redeeming love for each other. Trusting in Jesus Christ, we dedicate this cross in the Name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen”.