By Sherri Dietrich, UTO Board President

As part of UTO’s celebration of Julia Chester Emery (JCE) this year, we have commissioned four icons of her from four wonderful artists to highlight her ministry and impact in the church. The first icon, written by Marcy Hall, was released on JCE’s feast day (Jan. 9) and is already being admired and doing its job. And what, you may ask, is the job of an icon? 

Icons are often described as “windows into heaven,” and are designed with that in mind. They are highly symbolic, illustrating elements pertinent to the saint’s life and faith, and are meant to draw us into prayer and contemplation, raising our hearts and minds to God. They serve as bridges to Christ, links with the saints, and reminders of pivotal events in the history of salvation. They can help us focus while we pray and let us include our physical being in prayer by using our eyes as we look at the icon. Their often mysterious elements raise questions in our minds and can lead us to contemplate the mysteries of God and how the saints perceived and lived out their faith.

The process of icon writing requires the artist to learn about the saint’s life and to “sit with” or meditate on that saint until inspiration gives them the image they will put into the icon. Julia Chester Emery worked diligently for The Episcopal Church for 40 years and accomplished many things, but she was also a model of humility who never put herself into the spotlight—which makes it very difficult to know even a fraction of all she did. Marcy’s icon includes images of Alaska, the Lambeth Conference, and JCE herself, holding a Blue Box. It will be interesting to see what images the remaining three artists draw from the bits of available information on JCE’s life and ministry and what elements of her faith and ministry emerge in their icons. 

“God of all creation, you call us in Christ to make disciples of all nations and to proclaim your mercy and love: Grant that we, after the example of your servant Julia Chester Emery, may have vision and courage in proclaiming the Gospel to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our light and our salvation, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” (Lesser Feasts and Fasts)

We’ve created a new page in the history section of our website dedicated to Miss Emery, along with materials you can use to help share her story on social media and with your congregations and dioceses.

To purchase a print of our first icon, created by Marcy Hall, visit her website.