St. Edward the Confessor Statue Dedication
A Lasting Memorial in the Churchyard
On Trinity Sunday, June 17, 1973, St. Edward’s Episcopal Church celebrated the blessing and dedication of a statue honoring its patron saint, St. Edward the Confessor. Following the 10:00 a.m. Eucharist, Rector The Rev. Walter B. Peterson blessed the newly erected statue in the churchyard, where it was placed facing the entrance to the church.
The statue was dedicated as a memorial to James Warren Hooten Jr. (1938-1968), whose life was remembered through contributions made by his widow, Mary Catherine Land Hooten (later Mrs. George Romano Jr.), along with family members and friends following his death on March 4, 1968.
Sculpted by Jack Nicholas Zona of Winter Park, the statue is fashioned from hammered copper and stands approximately six feet, three inches tall. In designing the figure, Zona sought to capture the medieval character of England’s 11th-century king. Because no authentic likeness of St. Edward survives, the sculptor relied on historical research and reference materials available through the Orlando Public Library.
The finished work portrays Edward with characteristics reflecting his Anglo-Saxon and Viking heritage. He wears a simple Saxon crown and carries a traditional two-edged sword. Cradled in his right arm is a model of the original Westminster Abbey, commemorating one of the saint’s most enduring legacies. The model bears the date 1065 A.D., marking the dedication of the abbey church commissioned by Edward shortly before his death.
Known for his piety, fairness, and devotion to the Church, St. Edward the Confessor was one of England’s most beloved kings. His support of the Church and his reputation for holiness ultimately led to his canonization. His feast day, celebrated on October 13, remains the patronal feast of St. Edward’s Episcopal Church.
More than fifty years later, the statue continues to stand as a visible reminder of the parish’s namesake and the faithfulness of those whose generosity helped preserve his memory within the church community.
The statue of St. Edward the Confessor remains one of the most recognizable landmarks on the St. Edward’s campus and serves as a tangible link to the parish’s history, heritage, and patron saint. Its dedication on Trinity Sunday in 1973 reflects the congregation’s longstanding commitment to honoring both its spiritual roots and the faithful members who helped shape the life of the church.
Acknowledgments
This article was contributed by Ann “Cookie” Brown, Church Historian, using materials preserved in the St. Edward’s historical archives. Historical photographs and newspaper coverage courtesy of the Orlando Sentinel, July 1, 1973, page 48.
