You’ve probably heard of a Habitat building blitz, but how about a quilting blitz?
In the summer of 2002, 20 Lutheran women, led by Nalda Olson, a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Lancaster, joined forces to create a unique Habitat-themed quilt, which was designed by the late Lancaster-based artist John David Wissler.
The quilt commemorated the partnership between the Lutheran Task Force and what was then known as Lancaster Area Habitat for Humanity.
From 1993-2012, the Lutheran Task Force raised nearly $1 million in donations and Thrivent grants and supplied hundreds of volunteers from more than 40 Lancaster County-based Lutheran churches to support Habitat build efforts across Lancaster County including homes in the Emerald Valley Community, on South Queen Street and Green Street in Lancaster City and in the Borough of Denver.
But, in true Habitat fashion, volunteers associated with the Lutheran Task Force also found other ways to put their unique talents to work to contribute to Habitat’s mission, including communications and marketing support.
One of the ideas volunteers came up with to help promote Habitat was the creation of a Habitat-themed quilt complete with Habitat and Lancaster County motifs including hands, hearts, trees, nails, roses and the iconic Pennsylvania Dutch distelfink image.
Wissler, the artist behind the design, said in a 2002 press release that the design was a perfect expression of Habitat’s work, local traditions and its partnerships within the community.
“It’s appropriate for Lancaster County – many hands working together, both in actual quilting and in building houses,” said Wissler. “I haven’t had time to swing a paintbrush, but I’m glad I could contribute in this way.”
The original idea was for the quilt to be donated to a Habitat partner family, but after it was completed, the task force decided it would be the perfect visual aid to pique interest in Habitat during presentations.
The quilt was later displayed at Luther Acres, a Lititz-based retirement community, and is currently kept in the St. Paul’s archives.
“It’s a masterpiece,” said Olson in the 2002 press release.
The quilt was photographed and turned into a high-quality poster and sold. The proceeds of which benefited Habitat’s building efforts.
The quilt is a powerful symbol of the beauty and positive impact that is created when people work together. And the gift of a handmade quilt to Habitat homeowners is a tradition to that still continues today.