The Bisbee Vine at St. Patrick Church
Then John 15:1-17 takes control . . .
This haunting dilemma, of producing readable scripture on a concrete wall that was durable yet appeared to be cen-turies old, kept me awake many a-night. I experimented with copper etching. It worked, kinda. Looked good! How-ever, discovering that chemical etching is a most hazardous and messy job, I gave up the intricate work of etching. Copper is a rather unique metal and most engraving companies were unwilling to take on the project.
Thankfully, Caliber Engraving of Los Angeles was willing to produce 12 engraved copper plaques with silver color-fill thus producing readable scripture from a 5’ foot distance. You see, there is a rather deep drainage ditch running the entire length of the wall, prohibiting people from getting near the etched plaques. Securing the copper plaques was paramount to preserving Christ's command to Love One Another. Security requirements include the use of a special adhesive, 3 nails drilled thru the copper and anchored into the concrete. Security cameras are in use.
Finish work on copper plaques
The copper engraving being done by Caliber was neither speedy nor inexpensive. Time gave opportunity to think. And think we did! Our prayer remains …… “Lord, please let your words of love touch peoples’ hearts and bring them peace and understanding.” Recognizing that Bisbee is: 1) A tourist town; 2) Conducive to walking tours; 3) A mild and balmy climate most of the year; and 4) Enter-tains an active night life, the copper plaques seemed to beg for solar lighting. For months, while the copper was being engraved, the wall sported 12 solar lights shining on 12 empty black rectangles. You can only imagine the questions.
