250th Anniversary: Jewelry Raffle
St. Peter’s Weathervane is Jeweler’s Inspiration
2021 marked the 250th anniversary of St. Peter’s Presbyterian Church on the Green in Spencertown, NY. A 250th Anniversary Committee was formed to plan events to celebrate this event and considered ways to involve the community-at-large and perhaps introduce newcomers to the Church as a beautiful, historic building in our midst as well as potential worship site.
Spencertown resident Rita Van Alstyne, proprietor of R.H. Van Alstyne Jewelry Store (Main Street, Chatham) for the past several decades, was delighted for the opportunity to participate in the 250th celebration. Inspired by the church’s distinctive weather vane, Rita created two pendants featuring designs of the sun and the moon that are part of the weathervane (see photographs below.)
“I’ve designed jewelry throughout my career,” Rita commented. “I particularly enjoy finding beautiful vintage pieces and resetting gemstones to suit the customers’ wishes. I love pearls and colored stones.”
Van Alstyne enlisted long-time colleague Angelo Gassoso to develop her designs into finished pieces. Mr. Gassoso came to America from Italy at the age of 16 – decades ago – and began his career in the jewelry business in New York City as a hand engraver. He advanced through the business, working at several high-end stores in New York City, including Cartier, where he managed its workshop for a time. He has since fulfilled his lifelong dream of having his own business in Manhattan.
For this project, Mr. Gassoso carved the wax models developed from Rita’s designs, made the molds, and enlisted a casting company to prepare the 14-karat gold sun and moon pendants. Diamonds in the designs have added special sparkle.
A search of Church records and local newspapers turned up no information on when or why St. Peter’s chose the design for the weathervane that sits atop its steeple. However, when the Friends of Historic St. Peter’s Church oversaw major restoration work about 15 years ago, one of the targets was the weathervane, which had suffered significant deterioration; it has been restored, including its gilt.
The Committee expressed its delight and gratitude at Rita’s generosity in designing and overseeing the creation of these pieces. One hundred raffle tickets were sold for $25/ticket, with two winners selected in December, 2021– just in time for holiday gift-giving.
If individuals are interested, additional pieces – both pendants and earrings – can be made to order. Depending on interest, the design may be set in sterling silver. Contact RH Van Alstyne Jewelry on Main Street in Chatham, NY for details.