Kristin Bedford (American), Miss Seraphim, Ready to Serve at the Holy Communion Banquet

Archival print in colors, 2014, signed and titled to the verso, from the series The Presence of Father Divine / The Perfect Picture, matted and framed.

Sight size 18 1/2 x 28 in.; Frame dimensions 26 3/4 x 36 1/4 in.

From the Collection of Ron W. Djuren, Durham, North Carolina

American photographer Kristin Bedford spent five weeks living with and photographing a community of followers of Father Divine, who was an African-American spiritual leader from about 1907 until he passed away in 1960. Father Divine once had tens of thousands of devotees in 1930s Harlem. A group of eighteen of his devotees, now in their seventies, eighties, and nineties, live with Mother Divine at Father’s estate outside of Philadelphia.

Artist statement:
"I met the followers, who call themselves 'The International Peace Mission Movement,' at one of their holy communion banquets. During the 1930s, the banquets fed thousands of people, and the masses would gather to hear Father Divine talk while they dined. Today, the followers still set out all the fine china and pressed linens on a long, stately banquet table, but with only a handful of visitors. I was captivated by the movement’s abiding faith and dedication to performing this ritual...With the lack of new followers, their movement is likely in its final chapter. My visit felt like a special intersection of time, history, and devotion. I had the chance to experience their traditions before they fade away. With these photographs, I hope to offer glimpses of a mysterious and enduring faith." (Courtesy of the Artist's Website)

Very good condition; not examined out of frame.