—by Marietta Moskin

A brief ceremony was held in the Ware Room on March 8, 2004 to display, for the first time, the portrait of the Rev. F. Forrest Church that had been commissioned in honor of his 25 years as minister of All Souls. Attending were Board members, Deacons, who had initiated this undertaking, and donors. Members of the Portrait Committee, who found the artist, the Australian painter Paul W. Newton, and arranged for Forrest’s posing in his crimson gown, were C. William Bechman, Schuyler Chapin and Mary-Ella Holst, who ably and quietly conducted the fund drive for the gift. Forty-six individuals or couples as well as The All Souls Historical Society and The Women’s Alliance contributed to bestowing this honor on Dr. Church.

After considering several artists with the help of Portraits Inc., the committee chose Mr. Newton, who has done many fine portraits in the United States. The portrait graces the west wall of the Ware Room where it has joined the likenesses of William Ware and Laurence Neale, previous ministers of this church. The three-quarter portrait differs in style and color from the earlier paintings, introducing a much more modern tone appropriate to the 21st century.

The donor reception was brief but appropriate for the occasion as invited members mingled, enjoyed refreshments and then listened to a short introduction as the covering was removed from the painting. Now any member or group meeting in the Ware Room can admire the bright image of our Senior Minister.