Sanctuary object record
Ambo History
The sanctuary ambo grew from the shared work of Chris Davenport, Fr. Elkin González, Ed Grewe, Doug Bracken, and Midwest Marble. Parish correspondence records the design decisions, fabrication, installation, and financial history.
A gift in memory of Yvonne Grewe
Designed for the sanctuary
The October 2022 parish write-up describes the ambo as Ed Grewe’s gift in memory of his wife, Yvonne. Its limestone, green marble, diamonds, scalloped details, and parish emblem were intended to connect the new furnishing with the existing sanctuary and communion rail. [S1]
Chris Davenport coordinated the project and contributed design direction, including the recessed diamonds and use of the historic parish emblem. Fr. Elkin González participated in design review, approvals, practical requirements, and the parish explanation of the finished work. Their involvement continued through the installation and proposed corrections. [S5] [S8] [S11] [S15]
Download the illustrated historyProject contributors
| Contributor | Involvement |
|---|---|
| Chris Davenport | Project coordination, architectural design input, selection of the historic parish emblem, contractor communication, installation review, and preparation of the parish history. [S1] [S5] [S11] [S15] |
| Fr. Elkin González | Pastoral oversight, design review and approvals, microphone and functional requirements, coordination around liturgical celebrations, and review of the parish announcement. [S1] [S8] [S15] |
| Ed Grewe | Donor and active design participant. The archive preserves a sketch under his name, along with his comments on shelves, microphone openings, fabrication, and the front panel. [S3] [S6] [S9] [S13] |
| Doug Bracken | Design development, revised drawings, material and proportion coordination, and review of fabrication and installation issues. His correspondence identifies him with Wiemann Metalcraft. [S8] [S9] [S14] |
| Midwest Marble | Pricing, stonework coordination, installation, and billing. Steve Ferguson signs the quotations. Production sheets name Ranier Devido Stone Co. as the stone drawing supplier to Midwest Marble. [S10] [S12] [S16] |
John Sommer and Gabriela Meave addressed funding and accounting. Lacy Wulfers coordinated the parish announcement with Davenport and Fr. Elkin. [S1] [S3] [S7]
From initial sketches to the carved emblem
December 2021 through March 2022
The undated sketch preserved as ambodraftbyedgrewe.pdf shows two side elevation alternatives, diamond ornament, a sloping book surface, and a bird form. On December 23, Davenport asked Bracken to show recessed side diamonds similar to the ceiling and asked about green inlay. These records preserve design alternatives rather than a description of everything ultimately built. [S5] [S6]
Early correspondence proposed a relic set within a scalloped stone surround and a green marble top matching the rail. In February, Bracken revised the platform, width, and relic surround. Grewe requested an interior shelf. Davenport conveyed his and Fr. Elkin’s agreement to proceed once the shelf was added. Microphone connections were also brought into the review. [S2] [S8]
April through August 2022
Bracken’s April revisions moved a seam and clarified the scallops. Grewe asked for shelf details and microphone wire openings. The May 12 quotation described changes to side thickness, the rear radius, shelf clearance, and the bottom lip. Seven production sheets dated May 23 retain handwritten dimensional corrections. [S9] [S10] [S12]
The front panel continued to evolve. Grewe authorized Bracken to proceed with the approach he thought best. In August, Bracken favored raised artwork, a beveled edge, and contour in the crown. Davenport later explained that he had requested the historic Christ the King logo instead of the proposed marble piece. [S11] [S13]
The architectural connections
The October parish write-up links the diamonds to the terrazzo floor and the white scalloped points above the stained glass. It connects the patterned limestone around the centerpiece to the Christ the King mosaic surround and identifies the centerpiece as the historic parish logo also found near the wooden entrance doors. These explanations come from the contemporary parish communication reviewed by Fr. Elkin. [S1]
Installation and review
October 2022 correspondence records preparations for installation and the parish announcement. Davenport prepared the historical description, Fr. Elkin reviewed it, and Wulfers coordinated the communication. The thread does not establish the exact installation day. [S1]
On November 1, Bracken reported that the installed ambo was two inches shorter than planned, leaving the lower scallops partially concealed by the kneeling rail. Midwest Marble offered replacement or a $3,000 deduction. Davenport supported a proper remake, and Fr. Elkin agreed provided the work did not disrupt celebrations. [S14] [S15]
On November 28, Bracken reported that the church appeared to be retaining the ambo as installed and would discuss the offered discount. He directed remaining shelf, grout, and payment coordination to Davenport. The later invoice includes the $3,000 deduction. The proposed remake is not established as completed. [S4] [S14]
Gift, quotations, and invoice
| Record | Amount | What it establishes |
|---|---|---|
| Gift recorded February 17, 2022 | $22,000 | Ed Grewe’s designated gift, confirmed by Gabriela Meave. [S3] |
| March 21, 2022 proposal | $23,802 | Indiana limestone and Verde Alpi marble proposal. [S16] |
| May 12, 2022 quotation | $32,071 | Revised quotation. [S10] |
| Invoice 39121, January 9, 2023 | $29,071 | $32,071 less a $3,000 deduction. [S4] |
The invoice exceeds the recorded gift by $7,071. This is an arithmetic difference, not evidence of an unpaid balance. Final payment and any additional contribution remain unverified in the reviewed records.
Archive files
The source bundle contains the original invoice photograph, quotations, production drawings, Grewe sketch, supplied photographs, and 82 messages from 16 selected correspondence threads. Its related file inventory preserves original archive paths and links. Source links may require the archive owner’s account.
Source register
Historical statements above refer to these project records. Design proposals are distinguished from the installed object, and quotations are distinguished from payment evidence.
- S1. Ambo Writeup/Communications Plan, October 11 to 19, 2022
Parish drafting and approval correspondence among Lacy Wulfers, Fr. Elkin González, and Chris Davenport.
Open original record - S2. Ambo correspondence, undated archived document
Design objectives, material relationships, relic proposal, proportions, and accessibility concerns.
Open original record - S3. Midwest Marble Co Invoice correspondence, March 8 to 24, 2023
Gift confirmation and accounting questions. March 8 message records $22,000 on February 17, 2022.
Open original record - S4. Midwest Marble invoice 39121, January 9, 2023
Original attachment IMG_3787.jpg in March 8, 2023 message with no subject.
Open original record - S5. 6746 Christ the King Ambo, December 23 to 31, 2021
Diamond recess, green inlay, platform trim, and inquiry about chapel fabricator.
Open original record - S6. ambodraftbyedgrewe.pdf, undated
One page sketch, retained unchanged as ed-grewe-draft.pdf in the source bundle.
Open original record - S7. Next Steps for Ambo Project, January and February 2022
Meeting, materials, proposal coordination, and gift discussion.
Open original record - S8. 6746 AMBO, February 25 to March 6, 2022
Platform, relic surround, width, shelves, microphone, and repricing. Related Rev 2 and Lectern threads are preserved in the bundle.
Open original record - S9. Christ the King Final Ambo Drawings, April 17 and 18, 2022
Seam, scallops, shelves, and microphone openings. Related April 29 cap change thread is included.
Open original record - S10. last quote was on 5-12-22.pdf
May 12, 2022 quotation signed Steve Ferguson; $32,071. Included as may-12-quote.pdf.
Open original record - S11. Christ the King Final quote, May 2022 and March 22, 2023
Forwarding, conditional approval, and Davenport’s later explanation of the logo change.
Open original record - S12. Christ the King Final Drawings for Production.pdf
Seven sheets dated May 23, 2022, Ranier Devido Stone Co., with handwritten corrections. Included as production-drawings.pdf.
Open original record - S13. New front panel and artwork, July 29 to August 2, 2022
Grewe’s direction, raised artwork, bevel, and crown contour. Three threads are preserved in the bundle.
Open original record - S14. Ambo Final Notes, November 28, 2022
Includes November 1 and 2 messages on height discrepancy, replacement, and $3,000 deduction.
Open original record - S15. AMBO Revision and Question, November 7 to 14, 2022
Proposed sidewall remake, rail clearance, stone color, and shelves.
Open original record - S16. Midwest Marble Final Pricing.pdf
Eleven page file; page 1 dated March 21, 2022 quotes $23,802. The title does not supersede later pricing. Included as pricing.pdf.
Open original record
Original form and later revisions
This object’s current evidence remains connected to earlier conditions, design alternatives, and documented changes. Review the object history and revision register for the recorded sequence and outstanding evidence.