May 29, 2008 issue
The Crossnore School Dedicates Ben Long Fresco
On Sunday, May 18, The Crossnore School formally dedicated its fresco, Suffer the Little Children, in E. H. Sloop Chapel. Renowned fresco artist Benjamin F. Long, IV, completed the fresco in July 2006.
“Many might wonder why we chose to dedicate our fresco now,” said Dr. Phyllis Crain, The Crossnore School’s executive director. “The answer is simple. It has taken us this long to find the right person to lead us in this very special service,” Crain said.
Rev. C. Thomas Davis, author of Fields of the Fatherless and a leader of the Children’s HopeChest, traveled from his home in Colorado to deliver the message at the dedication ceremony.
Davis explicated the scripture upon which the fresco is based, Mark 10:14: “Suffer the little children to me and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God.” Acknowledging that the fresco is a depiction of The Crossnore School’s mission to provide hope and healing, Davis took the meaning of the fresco one step further. He remarked on Long’s masterful rendering of Jesus’ hands in the fresco, specifically as He laid them on the children and blessed them. Davis urged those in attendance to think of themselves as Jesus’ hands. “We are here to be the hands of God and show His love to His people, these children,” Davis said.
Chair of The Crossnore School Board of Trustees, Carol B. Dabbs of Charlotte, addressed the group and thanked those whose special contributions made the fresco possible. Crossnore School board member McKay Belk, also of Charlotte, shared his memories of being present as Long completed Jesus’ face. Also in attendance were several of the children Long used as models in the fresco, all of whom are no longer enrolled at The Crossnore School. Keith Smith of Hickory directed the Caldwell Chamber Singers in “Suffer the Little Children” and “Calling My Children Home.” The Crossnore Academy Wind Ensemble, directed by Jim Laughridge, and the Crossnore Academy Chorus, led by Dana Davis, also provided music for the service. Bagpiper Rebecca Witt of Banner Elk played on the chapel lawn prior to the service.
In her address, Crain dedicated the fresco to the glory of God, and Crossnore School chaplain Rich Catlett reiterated this in his prayer of dedication.
The Crossnore School is a 95-year-old private, nonprofit children’s home in Avery County. While The Crossnore School’s programs are faith based, the school is not affiliated with any denomination. Its mission is to provide hope and healing to children from families in crisis. Last year, some 250 children from 24 North Carolina counties were served at The Crossnore School.
Suffer the Little Children is open daily for viewing from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For more information about the fresco or about The Crossnore School and how you can help, call 828-733-4305 or click to www.crossnoreschool.org.
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