Named for Jean Schaeffer, the Altar Guild Directress of the St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Toledo, OH, the Schaeffer System dramatically reduces the amount of effort and energy necessary for changing the frontal - without removing anything on the altar!

First, a bit of explanation. Frontals are traditionally comprised of two sections that are permanently joined: the actual frontal (what's visible from the front) and the decking (what goes on the top or mensa of the altar and hangs down the back of the altar, usually weighted with a rod). There are three main problems with this construction. First, these traditional frontals are very heavy, and usually require two people to handle them. Second, the entire altar must be stripped to change the frontal. Thirdly, these frontals are difficult to store without crushing or wrinkling them.

The Schaeffer System eliminates all three of these problems saving time, energy, and space. By separating the frontal portion from the decking portion, this system allows the decking to stay in place, underneath the fair linen, and with all the altar appointments in place.

I start with the decking, which is constructed from durable cotton duck. The decking piece is laid upon the altar with the Velcro strips towards the front of the altar and the pocket for the weighted rod at the back. This photo shows a setup for a church that wanted to be able to interchange frontals and superfrontals between two altars of the same width, but different heights. The Velcro strip to the right is for the superfrontal, while the strip to the Left is the "hiked up" position for the full frontal that also fits another higher altar. Notice the thread line at the very front edge of the altar - this allows the decking to be placed accurately at the very edge of the altar in the precise location for the frontal to fall at the perfect height. The edges of the decking are finished in cotton bias for durability and strength.

In this next photo, here's where the magic happens! I add aligning marks to the decking and a thread aligning mark to allow for perfect centering of the frontal the very first time. Once the frontal is attached, the weighting rod can be slid into its pocket, and set-up is complete. Notice the small, square Velcro "dots" - these are an add-on feature that allow for the use of overlays with your frontals. An overlay is a smaller fabric hanging that enables the frontal to be customized for a celebration, theme, or season. For instance, if your church uses purple paraments for both the Lent and Advent seasons, an overlay is a less expensive way to bring out the themes of the season without investing in another entire frontal. This lovely purple frontal could be embellished with a rose overlay on Gaudete Sunday and Refreshment Sunday. How about a special overlay to celebrate the theme of the Stewardship campaign? There are six "dots" across the decking to hold an overlay up to 42" wide.

Because I'm a perfectionist when it comes to the altar, the bumps of the Velcro posed a bit of a concern. I find it helpful with any decking system to have a bit of padding underneath the fair linen and over the decking. This padding serves several practical purposes. First, it helps to eliminate any "clunking" sounds from chalices, sacramentary stands, etc. Second, it provides an absorbent layer to quickly pull wine and water away from both the fair linen and the decking. In the Schaeffer System, it serves a third purpose: it evens out the landscape of the mensa so that the fair linen is smooth and candlesticks aren't tipping precariously. In this photo, the decking was designed for the overlay add-on, so the notches hug around the Velcro "dots", allowing for a flawless surface.

I'm looking forward to working with you to create and build a frontal that is as much a joy to install as it is an enhancement to the worship life of your church community.