Little White Church in Chester Township celebrates history, iconography
Sep. 25—The Little White Church, at the crossroads of Mayfield and Chillicothe roads, hosted an open house display of their iconography and spoke about the history of a church that is unknown to many residents of Chester Township.
George Wendt, pastor of Little White Church, led attendees on a deep dive into the history surrounding the church as well as the importance of religious iconography.
Wendt said that the church was originally built in 1852, and in 1892 was moved off its foundation across the street to where it now rests. Over time a great deal of adjustments and additions have been made to the church including a basement being added in the 1930s.
During the open house, history was discussed as the altar was adorned with pictures of martyred priests of the Byzantine Catholic faith.
"In the '40s, '50s and '60s, there were seven Romanian bishops living in Communist Romania that died for the faith," Wendt said. "They were told to renounce their faith and they refused and because of that were put to death. They were subjected to prison and torture but never once faltered in their faith and that's why we honor them."
Wendt said that these priests were important to the faith due to the example they set.
Another large part of the faith is the use of icons.
"An icon is the art of using two dimensional images to paint an image that tells a story, but there is a third dimension which is the individual using that icon to enhance or enrich their spiritual life," Wendt said. "An icon is not like a photograph. It is meant to depict the person painted in a heavenly state in the heavenly kingdom. It is not an exact representation as we see it in this world; it is the aspect of a spiritual being."
Wendt said that each part of the iconological paintings they have within the church illustrates another piece of the faith. The colors of clothing of the icons are stylized to reflect the faith; halos are used to reflect the light of faith and larger ears to illustrate that those who wish to learn about their faith.
Wendt said that the Byzantine Catholic Church uses iconography to tell the story of their faith. Icons are not worshipped, he said. He compares the pledge of allegiance to an icon, not praying to it but showing respect through the object.
"Icons have a central role in the life of the Byzantine church. They are displayed in great prominence on vertical walls, but in the seventh century in the Byzantine East they were outlawed for about 60 years," Wendt said. "What we have now is a desire to share our history and faith through these images."
Mass is held every Sunday at 10 a.m. at the Little White Church, and Wendt welcomes all who wish to attend in order to learn more about the faith and realize the rich history of the iconography.
