Two
floral designers, Mike and Frank have provided the leadership and inspiration
for the local Rochester Floral Association for many years. They sponsored
yearly workshops for local flower shops and designers to enhance their designer
skills. I had been invited as chaplain to offer the invocation at their dinners
and photographed their flower arrangements. Unfortunately, the Rochester Floral
Association was disbanded this year in 2013 due to lack of support.
Rochester has long been known as the "Flower City." From where did this moniker come? Back in Rochester's early days, a man named George Ellwanger stumbled upon the infant city of Rochester, as he traveled the Erie Canal from Long Island to Ohio. He had just come over from Europe, and was on his way to learn English while staying with his Ohio relatives. On his brief visit, he noted that the area seemed prime for developing agricultural opportunities. He returned to the area in 1835, quickly taking over the Rochester Seed Store and Horticultural Repository, thanks to his agricultural background. One of his partners was another immigrant, Patrick Barry. Barry had also come over to the New World from Europe, and quickly found himself working in the agricultural industry in Rochester. Together, the men developed the Mount Hope Garden and Nurseries. The men were quickly recognized for having the best dahlias and cut flowers in the area. They became known throughout Upstate New York for their plants, which became hardier due to their location on Lake Ontario.
Later,
they pushed to create locally prolific fruit trees in orchards. Orchards were
already popular in the area, in part thanks to the efforts of Johnny Appleseed
and the local Native American tribes. The success of these two men in
propelling Rochester in the horticultural industry led to the nickname,
"Flower City." Their legacy has led to numerous greenhouses and
nurseries over the years, and a strong love for flowers.
Like
these early pioneers, Mike and Frank have inspired florists to create
incredible floral arrangements. Despite the demise of the floral association,
I’m glad to share that their designer craft continues at Holy Family. In 2012,
I took photos of our sanctuary and altar and asked Mike for his ideas on how to
decorate the church. Several volunteers in the parish who I refer to as the “Liturgical
Art Designer Team” started to decorate the sanctuary. This past Sunday, they designed
beautiful autumn corn stalks on each side of the altar. The corn stalks are
green and their intention is to continue to add to the display each week in the
sanctuary focusing on the harvest of the local farms.
So to
Mike and Frank, your legacy goes on despite the sadness of disbanding the
association. Ask yourself, what creative flair has God blessed you with and how
do you share that with others. Are you a woodworker, a painter, a railroad
designer, bake apple pies, jam and jellies, or make a batch of ale or stir up a
bottle of cabernet? Can you design a basket for the parish spaghetti supper
raffle? Let’s get to work on your unique craft and let your creative juices flow.
Yes, we do find God on a canvas, writing poetry, singing hymns, baking bread, anywhere
our senses lead us to the Creator.
God
prays for us as we reflect: “For from the greatness and beauty of created
things comes a corresponding perception of their Creator.” (Wisdom 13:5).
Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends who You have
blessed with the gift of creativity. Let their flair for the divine shine bright
and bring joy to all their family and friends.
