College welders create baptismal font cover for Layton parish

Courtesy photo/Kevin Cummings

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The new baptismal font cover at St. Rose of Lima Parish was created by students and faculty at the Davis Technical College.

By Kevin Cummings

Special to the Intermountain Catholic

LAYTON — Through a unique collaboration, the faculty and students at the Davis Technical College worked with St. Rose of Lima Parish to create a work of art.

Inspired by the baptismal font cover at the cathedral in Santa Fe, N.M., pastor Father Clarence Sandoval wanted to achieve something similar at St. Rose of Lima. At the same time, he wanted to add art work honoring the Holy Spirit. However, the parish facilities staff found that the project would cost approximately $15,000 – far too expensive for their budget.

A member of the parish council suggested contacting the Davis Technical College in Kaysville. The college’s welding program responded enthusiastically and agreed to take on the project as a way for students to explore the artistic side of their trade. The parish purchased the materials and provided the design, while the college provided the labor and expertise.

“It was a fun project,” said Jeremy Phillipson, an instructor in the welding program. “The students learned a lot, and we learned a lot in helping them.”

Phillipson and his co-instructors Elliott Hedgepeth and Nick Prices visited the parish to take measurements to build the framework. Over the next several months the instructors worked with students, showing them how to apply their practical welding skills to a more artistic endeavor. Frequent test fittings ensured that the project was on track, and the finished cover was delivered to the parish early this year.

“We’ve been excited to assist with this project,” said Davis Technical College President Michael J. Bouwhis.  “It allows students to use their skills in a professional way on a professional project and we appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with community agencies and churches.”

The cover was manufactured out of aluminum because the metal is both light and durable. To enhance the beauty of the piece and to make it a good visual match for the other fittings in the church, Facility Manager Paul Shumway arranged to have it powder-coated. The antique gold compliments the surrounding marble and gives the project a finished look.

“It was exciting to see a simple idea of a cover for our baptismal font with many collaborators putting their talents and gifts and arriving at a beautiful piece of art. Indeed, the Holy Spirit was doing its magic!” Fr. Sandoval said.

The cover, which was dedicated and blessed on April 23, will remain in place except when the baptismal font is in use.

Kevin Cummings is a St. Rose of Lima parishioner.