Photo Gallery

Carvings by Helmer (Birt) Birkelund

One of four woodcarvings mounted on the rear doors of the church, this depicts the fish - the early Christian symbol - with the Greek letters meaning, “Jesus Christ, Son of God”.

One of four woodcarvings mounted on the rear doors of the church, this depicts the fish - the early Christian symbol - with the Greek letters meaning, “Jesus Christ, Son of God”.

One of four woodcarvings mounted on the rear doors of the church which depict events in the life of St. Peter.  This carving features  the rooster - the symbol of Peter’s threefold denial of Christ.

One of four woodcarvings mounted on the rear doors of the church which depict events in the life of St. Peter. This carving features the rooster - the symbol of Peter’s threefold denial of Christ.

One of four woodcarvings mounted on the rear doors of the church, this depicts the upside down cross and the keys: Peter chose to be crucified in a manner different from Jesus, so tradition has it that he requested to be crucified upside down.

One of four woodcarvings mounted on the rear doors of the church, this depicts the upside down cross and the keys: Peter chose to be crucified in a manner different from Jesus, so tradition has it that he requested to be crucified upside down.

This carving of the miraculous catch of fish, symbolizes the Church, often depicted as a ship with the fish reminding us of Jesus’ words to Peter: “Follow Me, and I will make you a fisher of men.” (See also St. Matthew 13:47-48)

This carving of the miraculous catch of fish, symbolizes the Church, often depicted as a ship with the fish reminding us of Jesus’ words to Peter: “Follow Me, and I will make you a fisher of men.” (See also St. Matthew 13:47-48)

I. Jesus Is Condemned To Death Before Pilate  (St. Matthew 27:24-26)

I. Jesus Is Condemned To Death Before Pilate (St. Matthew 27:24-26)

II. Jesus Receives His Cross  (St. Matthew 27:27-31)

II. Jesus Receives His Cross (St. Matthew 27:27-31)

III. Jesus carries The Cross  (St. John 19:17)

III. Jesus carries The Cross (St. John 19:17)

IV. The Cross Is Laid Upon Simon, The Cyrene  (St. Mark 15:21-23)

IV. The Cross Is Laid Upon Simon, The Cyrene (St. Mark 15:21-23)

V. Jesus Speaks To The Women Of Jerusalem  (St. Luke 23:27-31)

V. Jesus Speaks To The Women Of Jerusalem (St. Luke 23:27-31)

VI. Jesus Is Stripped Of His Garments  (St. John 19:23-25)

VI. Jesus Is Stripped Of His Garments (St. John 19:23-25)

VII. Jesus Is Nailed To The Cross  (St. John 19:18-22)

VII. Jesus Is Nailed To The Cross (St. John 19:18-22)

VIII. Jesus Dies On The Cross  (St. Luke 23:44-46)

VIII. Jesus Dies On The Cross (St. Luke 23:44-46)

IX. Jesus Is Taken Down From The Cross  (St. Matthew 27:57-60)

IX. Jesus Is Taken Down From The Cross (St. Matthew 27:57-60)

X. Jesus Is Laid in The Sepulchre  (St. Luke 23:53-56)

X. Jesus Is Laid in The Sepulchre (St. Luke 23:53-56)