Miggs Coleman

Miggs Coleman loves to quilt and shares her feeling for this art form and - indeed her work is art – with the congregation of St. David’s Church. We have all been drawn to the reredos hanging behind the altar), commissioned by Father Paul in memory of Rieta Balmer. The thought and craft that went into its making was a year long project, truly a labor of love. Look, and ask yourself what do you see? One parishioner summed up his feelings saying”…it asks more questions than it answers”. Look again!

Miggs, a member of St. David’s since 1996, and a quilter since 1976, has shared her talents with the members of St. David’s and, thanks to her, holidays are noted and celebrated with many works of her design: The green frontal of Epiphany, seasonal banners and chasubles for many of the diocesan clergy in the area. A generous legacy shared throughout the community!

Many of her quilts, with titles such as “Seven Days of Creation” are shown throughout  the Diocese, “Exodus” and “Back to Normal - A Reflection on 9/11” express Miggs deep religious faith. As she came to terms with the tragedy, she created another quilt about 9/11, described here in her own words. Music has also played a large role in her life as organist at both All Saints and Christ Church, and as Music Director of the Fingerlakes Conference for many years. A woman of many talents!

But quilters and musicians have other lives, as both wives and mothers. Miggs and Milt have been married for 58 years and have three children and four grands. The quilting tradition runs deep in his family. Their daughter Linda inherited an heirloom quilt made by her wheelchair bound arthritic great-great-grandmother, a gift which resulted in Miggs, having become a serious quilter, making copies of this family treasure for each of her sons. All in all Miggs has made seventeen bed quilts, numerous lap quilts, runners, and mats for friends and family. “Quilting is not for everybody,” Miggs told me, “but very much for some.” Yes, indeed!

At this time the congregation of St. David’s pay tribute to Miggs Coleman  - a loving quilter of fabric and lives. Blessings!

"Genesis Series: Days 1 - 5" hang behind Miggs during her February 13, 2011 forum "Quilts and the Word"

Prepared by
Sheila Goldie