Thomas Howard could not be located, but the priest of St. Nicholas recommended
another iconographer in his parish to restore the desecrated image. Heather
MacKean worked three years rebuilding the icon, filling the gouges, adding
layer upon layer of gold leaf, reapplying the flaking egg tempera. The
commission came at a difficult time in her life, a time she herself described
as one of "spiritual oppression." The whole process was for
her a personal struggle, an emotional and spiritual journey. On several
occasions, the rector of St. Timothy’s met with her, prayed with
her, encouraged and counseled her as she struggled with personal issues
and technical difficulties in the restoration of the icon. In the spring
of 2001, the icon was at last restored to its former place in the sanctuary,
a place that had remained empty for nearly thirty-six months. To the delight
of Chris Hefty and the whole parish, the Lervolds were on hand for the
rededication service.
God has touched the lives of so many through this icon of Christ the Teacher. It is for us a powerful symbol of the resurrection and the triumph of light over darkness and has indeed become a holy relic for the members of St. Timothy’s parish.