St. Francis in the Garth
For nearly ninety years, the bronze statue of St. Francis has stood in the Garth at Christ Church, offering a quiet presence in our garden. This year, as we mark the 800th anniversary of Francis’s death on October 3, 1226, we also celebrate the statue’s restoration.
Rediscovering Its History
Installed in 1937, the statue’s history had faded from parish memory until an unexpected inquiry arrived in March 2024. A representative of the Tottenville Historical Society was searching for a St. Francis statue by former Tottenville resident George T. Brewster. She was delighted to learn that it stood here at Christ Church—and her inquiry helped us rediscover the artist behind a work we pass every day.
A preliminary cleaning revealed the installation date and sculptor’s attribution on the base. The statue’s history also connects it with Maud Stewart Lee McKim, whose name is remembered alongside this lasting addition to the Garth.
The Artist Behind the Statue
George Thomas Brewster (1862–1943) was an American sculptor known for portraits, architectural sculpture, and public monuments. His works include Independent Man atop the Rhode Island State House and a statue of Alexander Hamilton at Hamilton College.
Our statue bears the inscription “Après Della Robbia,” indicating that it was created after the style of the Renaissance sculptor Andrea della Robbia. Francis’s simple habit and rope belt recall his commitment to poverty and humility. His presence in the garden invites us to reflect on his love for creation and his recognition of all creatures as brothers and sisters.
Restored in Loving Memory
As we learned more about the statue, we also saw how much care it needed. Years outdoors had left corrosion, oxidation, and streaks across Francis’s face that made him appear to be crying. Restoration estimates placed the project beyond the available budget, and it remained on the church’s wish list.
A generous bequest from John Eddy made the restoration possible. John had been an active member of Christ Church, participating in worship and parish life and serving as a chalice bearer at Winchester Gardens. The vestry unanimously approved using his bequest to restore the statue.
We celebrated the restored statue on the Feast of St. Francis in 2026, giving thanks for its place in our parish and for John and Ellen Eddy whose generosity has preserved it.
