San Antonio, TX | Installation 2025
Powder-Coated, Laser-Cut Steel l 18′-½”H x 36′-6″W x 44′-1½”L
Developed through collaborative workshops engaging current AME Church parishioners, San Antonio’s youth, and the general public, Gordon’s design draws inspiration from the distinctive façade of the original AME Church as a testament to the lives, worship, and existence of those who once congregated in this space. The laser-cut metal features historic freedom quilt patterns to guide visitors through the *Presence of the Past,* outlining the façade and rise of the first AME church in San Antonio from 1867-1878. This journey is enriched by the AME shield, symbolizing church doctrine of civil rights, education, economic empowerment, political participation, and public service. The shield leads visitors to an altar that holds the names of the original parishioners, commemorating their contributions. These motifs, names, and words harmoniously intertwine to form an intricate, cohesive design encompassing more than 7,000 square feet.
(9/05/2024) Early Black church’s San Antonio site will get reshaped by art
More press can be found on our Press page here: https://gordonhuether.com/press/
Powder-Coated, Laser-Cut Steel, Dichroic Glass l 23’-3 ½” Diameter x 14’H
Complementing the Presence of the Past, the Culture Crossing Pavilion brings together voices from today’s AME Church and community members across San Antonio. This space fosters a sense of unity and reflection. Gordon collaborated with Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson (San Antonio, TX) and community members to incorporate feedback into the designs of the project, including quilt patterns. Made of laser-cut metal, these patterns create a vibrant tapestry that tells the story of the community’s past and present. In the center is a beautiful dichroic glass oculus, which casts a multitude of colors to enhance the viewing experience.
Enveloping the community quilt is a poem by Sanderson, developed in collaboration with church members through oral history. This poem commemorates and memorializes significant church memories and traditions, capturing the essence of the community’s shared experiences and aspirations. The Presence of the Past and the Culture Crossing Pavilion together create a space that celebrates the diverse cultural heritage of San Antonio and the enduring legacy of the St. James AME Church.
In 1873, an assembly led by Rev. W\.R. Carson transformed the Menger Soap Works Factory land from suds to salvation. They invested the resources of their emancipated hands, endured segregation, and withstood rejection from a denomination. The African Methodist Episcopal congregation is sacredly symbolized by a crest containing an anvil and cross. Uplifting as they built, each brick was vested with hallowed hymns, soul stirring sermons, and loving acts of service. St. James AME Church is a family of faith devoutly committed to empowering the community with: pastors, stewards, a board of trustees, deacons, ushers, young leaders, and missionaries. Sowing and planting spiritual leadership in every generation to yield a bountiful harvest. – Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson
