2008 Auction Gallery - Feature Item

Hand-carved Chess Set
By Erwin Cornelsen and Herbert Daniel

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Hand-carved Chess Set a Highlight at Annual Auction

When you see the intricate details of this hand-carved chess set, your immediate reaction is one of awe. Each piece is intricately carved, the board itself has carved oak leaves inlaid around the edges and has drawers inside to hold the pieces. It's a work of art that can be yours if you're willing to bid on it at the annual Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Festival held September 19&20 at the Abbotsford Tradex (auction held on Saturday.)

People seek out Erwin's booth at the Festival each year. He is famous for his hand-carved wooden plates with “Give us this day our daily bread” – or the German equivalent – carved around the edges. Many families have these proudly displayed in their dining rooms where they sit on chairs that Erwin has recycled and restored while their children play with building blocks he has also made. These are the legacy of a quiet, unassuming, wise old man – Erwin is in his 90s – who is not only talented but generous.

Erwin's desire is to share his gifts with others not just here but around the world. He and his distant relative, Herbert Daniel, work to create these items to sell at the Festival, but they don't make a dime personally. Those who purchase plates, chairs, blocks and now this chess set, at the MCC Festival know that their dollars go to benefit the ministry of MCC world wide. The focus of this year's Festival is MCC's work with refugees – something Erwin can relate to.

“Recycling and saving our environment as well as sharing and helping people in need gives me a deep satisfaction,” he has said. “MCC is my first choice, because my family (5 sons, four of them professional woodworkers) was helped by our church, through MCC, to come to Canada in 1956. There is so much to share and be thankful for in this great country.”

Although Erwin is slowing down a bit – “my work hours are getting shorter and the resting hours longer” – he says he will still have a good number of plates and other items for people to purchase.

And, of course, the amazing chess set. Will it be yours? It's your move!