The Frank R. Johnson Memorial Project
The Artist perspective

Early in 2003 Nadine Johnson approached me with the idea of designing a gate to replace the old wooden one at the Southeast corner of the courtyard. She wanted the gate to be a memorial gift for her late husband Frank. Having designed a wrought iron gate for my home in 1998 dedicated to my grandparents, I was very happy to entertain the idea.

From the first meetings with Nadine, she and I had discussed taking advantage of the exposure from the traffic along Bonita Avenue. The gate would provide an attractive entrance and draw in the eye of our community. In addition to the large apron, a walkway from Bonita's sidewalk into the courtyard would further invite in our community. Benches adjacent to the walk and along the south wall of the bridal room echo the "Reflection Medallion". This centerpiece of the landscape provides sitting and optimal viewing of the gate. The rockwork within the circle echoes the quatrefoil within the gate. The salt treatment of the exterior concrete is consistent with the concrete in the courtyard. The walkway up from E Street received bands of flagstone. The bands gradually get smaller as they migrate to the sidewalk. The redesigned corner acts as framing for the focal piece of art, Frank's gate.

The design elements used in the gate were inspired by the life of Frank R. Johnson. The complexity of the design and the naturalness of its placement are a testament to his ability to be a calming presence. The citrus tree is symbolic not only of Frank's involvement in the citrus industry, but also his place in La Verne's history as an early resident and having served in city government for 24 years. Tulips were a favorite flower of Frank's. His home always had something blooming in the yard, always beautifully manicured and well planned. The quatrefoil or oval center section of the gate was inspired by the centennial logo for the church. The wood is mahogany and contains gothic tracery taken from the imagery on the front of the pulpit. The integration of the two images is a sign of newness and progress through appreciation for the past. The lone tulip, which breaks into the cross, is representative of Frank's relationship, involvement and association with our church. The FRJ logo, upper left, was designed so that future generations of his family can observe his relationship with our church and tell the story of Frank R. Johnson.

I am extremely pleased with the results. The corner with its peek into the courtyard is very inviting. The function of the area has been maintained and enhanced. The gate occupies the space so fittingly; it doesn't feel novel or overwhelmingly new. I am extremely grateful to Nadine and the entire Johnson Family for providing me with this opportunity. Thanks to a very special group of people involved in the project's execution. Rick and Todd Russi for the masterful fabrication of the gate. Kacey Jones and his company Jonescape for the tremendous rock work and hardscape. Lastly, thank you to this wonderful congregation for its support.

Sincerely,

Eric M. Davis