Christopher Blaker, prominent New York layperson, dies of pneumonia

Friday, February 09, 2007

[Episcopal News Service] Christopher Den Blaker, an ardent layperson in the Episcopal Church, died February 3 at his residence in New York City, of complications due to pneumonia. He was 57.

His remains were cremated on February 6. A service of celebration and thanksgiving for his life will be held April 15, Blaker's birth date, at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 240 E. 31st Street, New York City.

Blaker, who had battled Lou Gehrig's disease for more than 10 years, was an accomplished and multi-talented craftsman, sculptor, silversmith, painter and photographer. Two of his finest artistic pieces are a moving processional cross commissioned by historic All Hallows–By-The-Tower, in London, and a chalice presented by the delegation from the National Council of Churches of the United States to the China Christian Council in Shanghai, on their first visit to China in 1982.

In the Episcopal Asiamerica Ministry (EAM) community, he is remembered as the designer and crafter of the EAM Cross, which features a distinctive lotus flower in the center of the cross, an adaptation of the symbol of the historic Nestorian Christianity in China, one of the earliest contextualizations of Christianity in Asia.

Blaker had a deep interest in helping and advancing the works of the EAM, especially the scholarship for seminarians, youth and young adult ministries.

"Chris saw his life as an instrument used by God in expressing and illuminating spiritual truths in the patterns and rhythms of life through his art," said the Rev. Dr. Winfred Vergara, director of Ethnic Congregational Development and missioner of Asian American Ministries for the Episcopal Church. "When asked of his life, talent or artistry he would refer to himself as a 'glove on the hand of God.'"

Blaker is survived by his sister, Dr. Laura Den Blaker, his brother, Peter Den Blaker, and companion the Rev. Dr. Winston Ching.