The Wisdom of the Ages

   

When the curtains part behind the choir loft at the start of service, one of the historic features of Founder’s Church is revealed: the great mural titled “The Wisdom of the Ages.” This amazing work of art was painted by Wallace Rolland Stark, an artist, actor, and minister of Religious Science. It was completed in 1960 some months after the dedication of the church. The mural is based on over one hundred symbols representing the spiritual, artistic and scientific achievement of humanity collected over the years by Ernest Holmes. The remarkable feature of the painting is that it is painted in black-light sensitive paint. This causes the painting to glow as though it is a stained glass window when it is illuminated by ultraviolet light, also known as “black-light.” This original piece of art is unique in the world.