The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

State News

March 19, 2010

Princeton Church of God to dedicate bronze sculpture

Princeton — The Princeton Church of God Sunday will formally dedicate a commissioned sculpture, “Living Water,” and the fountain of which it’s a part.

Located in the foyer, the sculpture consists of two life-size bronze figures, Jesus and the Wo-man at the Well.

Set in a desert tableau and made of hammered copper, it was co-sculpted by internationally re-nowned sculptor Bill Ho-pen of Hopen Studio Inc. of Sutton and his wife, Ai Qui Hopen, also a re-nowned sculptor.

Senior Pastor Dr. Ray Hurt said he believes the sculpture will be a community asset.

“We wanted something in the foyer that would affect the community,” he said. “It’s a great work of art. I believe school children, art students and others should be encouraged to see it.”

Private contributions funded Hopen’s sculpture and the fountain.

One contributor, Princeton businessman Bob Sink, said his late mother Lucille wanted to see the project happen.

“This was the last project I was able to do for her before she passed away,” he said. “I personally know the sculptor and the artist, and worked with them to make this happen.”

Bill Hopen has been commissioned for monumental bronze figures throughout the United States and abroad. He’s assisted churches, universities and governments in commemorating great figures or symbolically expressing great ideas or ideals. He’s also created works for individuals and private museums. Besides his West Virginia studio, Hopen maintains a studio in Shanghai, China.

Two local men contributed artistically to the project. The late Keith Whitley, of Princeton, built the overall fountain and backdrop for the sculpture. J.R. Shuck, of Princeton, painted the background scene.

The dedication ceremony will immediately follow the regular Sunday morning service, which begins at 10 a.m.

For directions to the Princeton Church of God, located at 250 Oakvale Road, Princeton, call 304-425-6505 or go to pcogwv.com.

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