Each Candle Is a Prayer: A Steel Candle Tree for St. Luke’s

by Jeremy Werkheiser October 19, 2026

October 18, 2026 · Jamestown, New York

I created this bespoke steel prayer candle tree for St. Luke’s Episcopal Church as a place for prayer and remembrance. It holds 48 tea light candles among textured steel branches and stands approximately five feet tall with its attached table. Every part—from the candle holders and decorative leaves to the table and hanging bucket—is made from steel.

About 60 hours went into bringing it to life, but seeing the congregation light the candles gave the work a meaning that went far beyond the fabrication. Each candle is a prayer for someone. Seeing something I built become part of that experience was incredible.

Prayer candle tree by Jeremy Werkheiser with tea light candles burning at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church — The candle tree in use at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

Full view of Metal Relic’s steel prayer candle tree with attached table, curved legs, and hanging bucket — The completed all-steel sculpture and attached table.