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The Perfect Touch
Published September 25, 2009
Walk in the front doorway of Moriah’s Christian Children’s Home in Dutton, and you’ll see a well-appointed great room perfect for any family.
But the house isn’t home to just any family. It is home to girls who are in need. The children are sent to the state-licensed facility by the Department of Human Resources, the local court system or individuals. Most come from difficult backgrounds and need safety, security and love.
As you step into the room a beautiful painting of Margerie Glacier in Glacier Bay, Alaska becomes the focal point. Painted and donated by award-winning local artist Phyllis Murphy it adds just the right touch. Hanging over the wooden fireplace mantel the oil painting provides a perfect centerpiece for the room, which serves as the hub of the house.
The home’s director, Phyllis Watkins, called the painting, donated by Murphy, the perfect finishing touch to the room. Kesha Gardner, who along with her husband Andrew serve as house parents at the home, and board members Glenn York, Faye Shrader and Judy Whitten agreed.
York, who hung the painting, called it “perfect.”
Murphy has been painting for three decades. She began using paint by the number kits, took a few classes and attended workshops, but is mostly self-taught.
“I’m a slow painter,” Murphy said. “This one was hard for me. It took quite a while.”
Murphy began the painting while sitting on the back of a cruise ship during a trip to visit Alaska with her husband, Clark.
“If you’ve ever been there, it (the painting) looks just like Glacier Bay,” he said.
“I piddled with it a long time to get it right,” Murphy said of the painting, which is dominated with shades of blues and whites to capture the very essence of the massive glaciers it depicts. Murphy’s work beautifully portrays the magnitude and magnificence of God’s creation.
Murphy, whose paintings hang in the Alabama State House in Montgomery, art museums, and libraries, has won many awards for her work at juried art shows throughout the southeast. Her original and limited edition prints are a part of private and corporate collections in 36 states and 11 foreign countries. She has kept a record of every painting and its purchaser.
Watkins and Garner were pleased that Murphy donated the painting to the home. Both said it was an honor to be remembered in such a way.
In addition to the Garner’s and their seven-year old daughter, Emily, three girls live in the home and attend school nearby. Garner was expecting to add two more Thursday.
“We’re licensed for eight girls,” Watkins said. “We can have as many as seven because the Gardner’s daughter counts against that number.”
The home was built on one of God’s many promises: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” A plaque carrying the Bible verse, Jeremiah 29:11, sits on the mantel just to the right of Murphy’s painting as a reminder to the residents of God’s continual presence and willingness to help those who trust in Him.
The staff strives to provide a Christian atmosphere for the girls who call Moriah’s home. The goal is to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment to foster independence and ensure success for the residents.
“She (Emily) looks at all of them like sisters,” Gardner said. “They love like sisters and sometimes they fight like sisters. Everyday is a new adventure.”
The girls attend church with the Gardner’s at Center Point Baptist Church in Scottsboro. If a new resident has a church home on arrival the staff will honor their attending that church.
Moriah’s day-to-day operation is totally supported by donations from local churches, clubs, organizations and individuals. Its lone annual fundraiser, a dinner and auction, was held recently at the Scottsboro – Goose Pond Civic Center.
“We raised more money than ever before,” Watkins said. “I don’t have the exact total. But, after expenses, we expect to net approximately $10,000.”
Those who would like to make a contribution to the non-profit organization can do so at Moriah’s Christian Children’s Home, P.O. Box 58, Dutton, AL 35744. For additional information on the home and its mission contact Watkins at 256-228-0054.
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Sentinel Photo | Ken Bonner
Local artist Phyllis Murphy donated a painting of Margerie Glacier in Glacier Bay, Alaska to Moriah’s Christian Children’s Home on Thursday. Shown at the presentation are: Keshia Gardner, house parent; Faye Shrader, board member; Murphy; Phyllis Watkins, director; and Judy Whitten and Glenn York, board members.
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