Duffield Sculpture / Ronn Shaffer, 1940-2019

Duffield Sculpture, also, Ronn Shaffer, 1940-2019. . , Duffield Sculpture , In 2015, Philadelphia-based sculptor Roger Wing was commissioned to create a sculptor of Reverend George Duffield in the churchyard. Wing spent approximately one month carving Duffield's likeness from the trunk of a Norway maple tree that had been mostly removed, because it was pushing over the wrought iron fence on Pine Street. Wing exploited the natural curve of the trunk to portray Duffield as leaning forward, encouraging and preaching to the Revolutionary War soldiers buried in the churchyard, much as he did in life., Wing provided the following statement regarding his sculpture:,

"I have been sculpting in diverse materials for over 30 years. Large outdoor wood sculptures represent a culmination of working ever larger, ever faster, in materials not meant to be permanent. Wood will last much longer than other materials that frequently I carve (ice, snow, sand, watermelons and pumpkin); however, exposed to the elements and in contact with moisture from the ground, wood will age, transform and eventually decay. The temporary nature of these carvings reminds us that all earthly attachments, however strong, will eventually end."

, Ronn Shaffer, 1940 - 2019 , This installation is dedicated to the memory of Ronn Shaffer, a remarkable community member, historian and congregant of Old Pine Street Church. Upon moving to Philadelphia in 2000, Ronn discovered this graveyard and became a passionate advocate for its research and preservation. Ronn spent thousands of hours digging into church archives to learn the stories of those buried in these grounds., Among other insights, Ronn's work revealed the significant influence of the Rev. George Duffield to the cause of Independence. After locating the graves of nearly 285 soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War, Ronn honored their memory with the colonial flags you see flying today. Through his work with the Old Pine Conservancy, Ronn connected people around the world with ancestors buried at Old Pine., Ronn delighted adults and children alike with his fascinating graveyard tours, where he shared the fruits of his research. Those lucky enough to encounter him not only had their minds opened to history, but were warmed by his passion, charm, and sense of humor.