CAMPUS
SCULPTURES
The aim of the sculptures on the NCCB campus is to imbue the campus with beauty and represent an act of worship that through art glorifies God.
The sculptures also act as markers that represent the values which are upheld at NCCB. Ultimately, they are here to be enjoyed by all on and visiting the campus.
Click To Go To Campus Unity
Click To Go To The Family
Click To Go To Nehemiah
Click To Go To The Seventh Hand
Click To Go To I Love You Sound Wave
Click To Go To Kudu
Click To Go To In The Garden
Click To Go To Crowns Laid Down
Click To Go To Roots
ROOTS
Mandy Johnston
Steel, Copper, and Concrete
2023
Drawing inspiration from The Book of Romans, Chapter 11, this sculpture embodies the concept of unity found within the grafting of the Wild Olive into a cultivated Olive tree. As an artistic representation of the grafting process, this sculpture symbolizes the integration of all people into the Kingdom of God. Using concrete, copper, and steel, the artist captures the essence of connectivity and exchange. The copper elements represent this profound interconnection, bridging spiritual and earthly realms. The copper rods stand in stark contrast to the concrete root foundation, both in material and appearance. This contrast signifies the diverse nature and experiences of individuals being woven together. The sculpture showcases a meticulously crafted root system emerging from the depths of water, symbolizing the profound growth and transformation that arises from this unity.
Crowns Laid Down
Timothy Paschalis
Laser-Cut Steel
2022
The Bible speaks of crowns given to the children of God – the imperishable crown, crowns of righteousness, crowns of rejoicing, and crowns of glory and life. This word crown is used figuratively in the New Testament of the rewards of Heaven God promises to those who are faithful. These crowns are in turn laid down at the feet of Jesus in an act of submission and honour to our Lord. This idea, alongside the passages in Isaiah 28 describing Jesus in very floral imagery, inspired the them of the 2022 “Crowns Laid Down” Christmas Carols event. A crown laid down on the ground demonstrated by flowers and leaves growing in and throughout the structure.
BAPTISM SCULPTURE
Nathan van Vuuren
Steel and Concrete
2022
Baptism marks the personal identification with Jesus and the body of Christ.
When we come to believe in Jesus, our lives become united to Christ’s life. Baptism is a public declaration of identity and faith. This steel and concrete sculpture publicly demonstrates how as a Church we value Baptism. This sculpture emphasizes the tremendous importance of committing to a journey of faith, being united to Christ, renouncing service to sin and giving our loyalty and service to Jesus.
FREEDOM SCULPTURE
Nathan van Vuuren
Concrete
2022
The Freedom Sculpture comprises of figures made of concrete that are breaking free of the wall structure. The sculptures have a dual meaning, firstly referring to 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17:
“16 For the Lord Himself will descend from Heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.”
The sculptures envision that moment of the second coming of Christ, a great victorious moment: the saints that have passed away being resurrected.
IN THE GARDEN
Nathan van Vuuren
Welded Steel
2022
This sculpture represents perfect intimacy with God in a Garden setting. Alluding to the Genesis account of Adam and Eve. These sculptures illustrate the restored relationship between God the Father and people through the mediation of Jesus Christ. The smaller figures are found in a posture of worship towards the larger figure which represents God. This illustrates that the foundation of all true Christian worship is the presence of God with His people.
The sculpture is made of steel rod, cut into incremental sizes and arranged and welded to form the figures. Simple steel increments represent abstract concepts such as: love, hope, faith, submission, obedience and sacrifice. The “ingredients” that made sound worship and relationship possible.
I LOVE YOU — SOUND WAVE
Nathan van Vuuren
Welded Steel
2021
This is a steel sculpture of a digital recording of the words: “I Love You”.
As a church community we want to represent what God speaks over us and what we speak over the community. The “I Love You” sculpture is the embodiment of this sentiment.
NEHEMIAH
Nathan van Vuuren
Steel & Concrete
2021
Nehemiah was a Hebrew man passionate about the promises of God and loyal to his people as well as a high ranking official in the Persian court. He was committed and worked tirelessly to rebuild the city walls of Jerusalem. This sculpture represents the fierce determination of Nehemiah, as well as his strong leadership, governance and steadfast faith which enabled him to rebuild the wall of the city providing the protection and security to the nation of Israel.
THE SEVENTH HAND
Nathan van Vuuren
Welded Steel & Resin
2020
This sculpture depicts seven hands. Six of the hands represent the ancient measurement standard the Cubit. With the cubit many buildings, temples and palaces were built, the cubit in this sculpture is a metaphor for the collective effort of the human race. The seventh hand represents the hand of God.
“Everything in life can be built with six handbreadths, but nothing eternal, nothing spiritual and nothing that will last for eternity can be built with your genius or ability…We need the hand of God, the anointing of God, the presence of God to build His church.”
Ashley Bell
