Sam Gore’s newest sculpture, “Christ in Gethsemane,” will soon be unveiled as one of the cornerstones of Mississippi College’s Rhoda Royce Prayer Garden.
An internationally celebrated artist and native of Calhoun County, Dr. Gore crafted the sculpture as part of the busy inauguration week for Blake Thompson, who serves as MC’s 20th president. The March 29 event at the inspiring prayer garden near Alumni Hall begins at 10 a.m. that Friday. The public is invited.
The latest work represents yet another triumph for Gore, former chairman and founding father of the Mississippi College Art Department.
Still working at age 91, the 1952 Mississippi College graduate has earned kudos for his illustrious art career spanning more than six decades. Gore was among ten children born to the Rev. John E. Gore and his wife, the former Mary Letha Pepper of Hohenlinden Community in Webster County. His father’s ministry took him and his family throughout central Mississippi. While living in Calhoun County the family settled in what was known as the Burke Community and the children attended school at Big Creek until the family moved to Hinds County in the 1940’s.
The new sculpture by the longtime Clinton resident is already drawing praise at his alma mater. It will sit a short walk away from his other bronze sculptures on the Clinton campus glorifying Jesus Christ.
“Moses, Deliverer of the Law” is the title of Gore’s bronze sculpture adorning an exterior wall of the Mississippi College School of Law in Jackson in 2007. That was followed in 2009 by “Christ, Fulfillment of the Law,” standing just a few feet away. Unveiled in 2003, Dr. Gore’s “The Servant Savior” bronze near Provine Chapel remains a destination point for visitors to the Clinton campus.
Named in his honor, the Gore Galleries on the Clinton campus showcases the talents of some of America’s finest artists. Samuel Marshall Gore certainly ranks among them.
Filled with Barbara Gauntt’s beautiful photographs reflecting his storied career, her 112-page book “Samuel M. Gore: Blessed with Tired Hands” salutes the Christian artist from Mississippi. It was published by University Press of Mississippi.
In the book’s forward, artist Wyatt Waters of Clinton describes the lasting achievements of his former Mississippi College professor. “When he paints, draws or sculpts, it becomes an act of worship that makes one want to participate in the celebration of creation.”
For more information on the “Christ in Gethsemane” sculpture unveiling March 29 and other inauguration activities March 24-29, contact Tracey Harrison at 601-925-3239. Or go to mc.edu/inauguration for a full schedule of inauguration activities for President Blake Thompson.