A Synagogue, a Protestant Church, a Catholic Church

Fred’s Journey

Verdun France

September 18, 1944

A light rain muddied the streets as we entered the ancient fortress town of Verdun on September 18, 1944. We saw a shattered synagogue by the north gate. Later we found a modest cathedral on a hillside. I got a few pieces of glass from each. The synagogue was opened up and our rear headquarters remained there for six months. There was also a small Protestant chapel that we used for choir practice.

–Fred McDonald

Artist’s Statement

    From

  • Armelle Le Roux

In 1944, Verdun was already a shrine to the ravages of World War I. Fred’s envelope from Verdun contained three shards from three different places of worship. I put them together as improbable and endlessly repeating notes on a fictitious sheet of music. They serve as a warning about history repeating itself and also the longed-for possibility of coexistence and harmony.

Artist Information

  • Armelle Le Roux

    Atelier Le Roux
    3246 Ettie Street
    Studio 11 Oakland, CA 94608

    View Artist Page

Specifications

Number of shards: 3
Dimensions: 30 3⁄4″ × 11″
Medium: painted and leaded blown glass

History & Context

Base Camp at Verdun

After only eighteen days in Paris, the 12th Army Group moved their headquarters to Verdun as Allied forces continued pushing the Germans eastward. Verdun, a city best known as a bloody World War I battleground, became Chaplain McDonald’s base for most of the war.

While at base camp, Frederick McDonald shared close quarters with other chaplains and officers. He particularly enjoyed the camaraderie and socializing over a drink.

The officers were every kind, some drank rather heavily … our room was heated briefly in the evening with a pot bellied stove which we called the black elephant. We would gather about it for a drink after work whenever distribution was made from a seized Nazi liquor supply, which was quite often.

–Fred McDonald