St. Peter’s adds statue, plaque to portico

A statue of St. Peter is now watching over St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lewes.

The 38-inch figure, made of Honduran mahogany, was carved by an artist who has created some of Disneyland’s most iconic signs. The statue portrays St. Peter holding the keys to the kingdom and the keys to the church. It is certain to become an icon on the historic church structure on Second Street.

“It’s a long-standing dream to have St. Peter up there,” said the Rev. Jeffrey Ross, St. Peter’s rector and pastor. 

A crew from Burton Builders installed the statue and a plaque on the St. Peter’s portico June 25. The statue and portico are based on a design sketch from 1870. The portico was built about three years ago.

Ross said the installation is part of the first phase of renovations. He said future phases will include a new meeting space and parish hall.

The statue and plaque were paid for by an anonymous donation. St. Peter’s did not disclose the amount, but Michael Potter, project manager, said the cost was comparable to a stained-glass window.

Ross said the plaque extols the virtues of what St. Peter’s is all about.

“We want to be a church of inclusion, where everybody can come and find something to connect with. It’s been in our DNA from the very beginning in 1681,” Ross said.

The Rev. Elizabeth Kaeton, an Episcopal priest who helps out at St. Peter’s, stopped to admire the progress on the installation.

“Having that figure here, with those words dedicated to the oppressed and marginalized and the poor and seekers, mystics and misfits. I love that line. That’s what Jesus was talking about,” Kaeton said.

The St. Peter’s statue was carved in California by artist Ray Kinman and his team. It took more than two years from design to finish.

Kinman has created signs for some of the most iconic Disneyland attractions, like the Indiana Jones Adventure, Country Bear Playhouse and, his latest work, the Swiss Family Robinson Adventureland Treehouse.

“He does commissions for Disney collectors and did something small for me,” Potter said. “I asked him if he would be willing to do it, and the more we talked, the more he wanted to do it.”

Potter said the statue will be formally dedicated next summer.