Two Doves on a Font (Portell) - Weldon Spring, MO
Posted by: 
YoSam.
N 38° 42.734 W 090° 41.156
15S E 701200 N 4287385
Unique tombstone in the Emmanuel United Church of Christ Cemetery.
Waymark Code: WM171FR
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 11/20/2022
Views: 1
County of church: St. Charles County
Location of church: MO-94, just N of I-64 (US 40/61), Weldon Spring
Phone: 636-441-1406
Pastor: Mike Pope
Two doves sitting and drinking at the water (bath). Tombstone stands about 4½ feet tall, and has, in addition to the dove, the dates and name in the round base.
I believe this is marble, could be granite, and not sure if it really is a bird bath or a baptismal font on the lost ages.
"The dove is the most frequently seen animal symbol in the cemetery. It is portrayed in a number of poses, but most frequently it is seen holding an Olive branch, a reference to the dove sent out by Noah to search for land, as explained in Genesis.
"The dove then became a symbol of purity and peace because God had made peace with man. It also became a powerful symbol of the Holy Ghost as illustrated in Jon 1.
"The dove is present in depictions of the Trinity, the Baptism, and the Annunciation of Mary. Seven doves are also used to represent the Seven Spirits of God, and it is the attribute of several saints, including St. Benedict and St. Gregory." ~ Stories in Stone, A Field Guide to Cemetery Symbolism and Iconography, by Douglas Keister, 2004, pages 41-42
Tombstone Text:
P
O
R
T
E
L
L
ROBERT C.
MAR. 19, 1923
APR. 22, 1990
MARTHA L.
MAR. 22, 1927
[still living]