The Communion Railing

The following information is from, "Holy Family Parish: Priests and People" by Br. Thomas M. Mulkerins S.J. published in 1923, and "Born in Chicago: A History of Chicago's Jesuit University" published in 2008 by Ellen Skerrett.

This railing is con­sidered by the artists as a masterpiece. Of the seventeen panels or sections into which the railing is divided only two are repeated, although the ground­work is practically the same in each. This artistic piece of work was carved by Louis E. Wisner, in his own house on 14th and Halsted, in 1866.  Wisner, a German Lutheran and Freemason, carved the communion railing from a solid block of walnut.  Fr. Damen would visit him daily to offer advice about themes for each railing panel.  The railing was built at a cost of less than $500.

The Communion Railing is divided into panels, each panel supported by a square column with a stone base running the width of the church, and the top partially raised and fluted lengthwise. The panels are inlaid with carved vine rods about 1 3/4" in diameter, one above and another below, running horizontally, with a similar rod running vertically at each end. These rods are firmly glued together and are reinforced by a large vine leaf taking root in the base of the railing, and making a circuit of the entire panel. It is upon this groundwork that the entire artistic figures are imposed.

Beginning at the east end of the railing, the following are descriptions of each panel: 

Panel 1 - a harp, book and cross
Panel 2 - a cross and ladder
Panel 3 - rays in center background, cross and the letters IHS.
Panel 4 - the east gate in front of St. Joseph's altar, on which is carved the cross with a serpent wound about it.
Panel 5 - a large sheaf of wheat, about five inches in diameter, with a band around it, and a reaping hook thrust under the band. Resting on the sheaf are two large clusters of grapes, twenty-four grapes in each cluster; each grape about the size of a California white grape.
Panel 6 - cross, scourge and crown of thorns:
Panel 7 - radiated center with chalice surrounded with a column of clouds of glory;
Panel 8 - the papal triple cross, tiara, mitre, ribbons, Episcopal mitre and Pon­tificale.
Panel 9 - constitutes the east half of the middle gate and contains rays in background-lamb resting on an altar, with cross passing between the right leg and right shoulder; the west half of the mid­dle gate with the rays in background and on the latter a short cross, the boy Christ lying on His side on the cross, as if it were His bed-palm in left hand, with right hand resting on his breast.
Panel 10 - identical tp panel 5
Panel 11 - rays in center, large sized Peli­can with open wings and bare breast, three young pelicans drinking their mother's life blood;
Panel 12 - the veil of Veronica-Christ's head in relief, instru­ments of the passion-spear, lance, cross, crown, scourge, pincers, and hammer. This is one of the most wonderful pieces of carving in the entire rail­ing.
Panel 13 - cross, crown of thorns and scourges.
Panel 14 - the west gate before the altar of the Blessed Virgin - cross, crown of thorns, a dove with an olive leaf in its bill;
Panel 15 - rays in the center, with the letter M, and the Immaculate Heart of Mary in relief;
Panel 16 - rays in center, closed book with representation of the seven sacraments, as if proceeding from the book. On top of the book a lamb.
Panel 17 - rays in center, cross and anchor, Immaculate Heart of Mary raised in center.

On the columns, at each end of the main sancturary, are cherubs exquisitely carved, and similar figures on the two columns supporting the middle gate.