The altar located underneath a depiction
of Jesus Christ (Photo by Caroline Foley) |
Altar
The altar painting is a mural painted on canvas attached to the wall. Painted by Newport artist Benny Collins during the church's construction, the piece depicts the Resurrection of Christ. The figure of Christ rising to Heaven depicts His divine and human aspects. The painting's bottom left corner features Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and John, and Joanna, who are coming to anoint the body of Jesus on Easter morning. There is also the winged angel of the Lord coming down to roll back the large stone in front of the tomb.
The candles on the altar symbolize Christ - the Light of the World. The five rubies attached to the Cross on the altar depict the five wounds in the body of Christ. |
Candelabra
Some of the light fixtures in the church are also worth mentioning. The lights are symbolic of Christ, the Light of the World, and the projection in four directions of the candelabra depicts the spread of the Gospel to the four corners of the earth.
The special candelabrum in the front of the nave represents the Last Supper. It is in the shape of a triangle, which symbolizes the Trinity. When looked at from directly beneath, it reflects the "Eye of God" motif described below. |
Antique candelabra found on the ceiling
(Photo by Winifer Rosario) |
Radiator Covers
The radiators in the church are shielded by covers that are rich in Christian meaning. The top of the covers are crenellated in the style of medieval castle walls, which implies the defense of God's word.
(Left) The crenellation at the top of the radiator covers (Photo by Winifer Rosario)
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The basin with the wavy line on top represents the ritual of Baptism. The wavy line symbolizes the Jordan River where Christ was baptized by John the Baptist. The two chalices on both sides represent the Communion Cup, while the hanging branches depict the olive leaf brought back to Noah by the dove when the waters of the flood had abated. The three openings at the bottom of the cover are believed to represent the Trinity.
(Right) The symbolic icons on the radiator covers
(Photo by Caroline Foley) |
Pulpit
The pulpit is shaped as a communion chalice, from which we receive the blood of Jesus for the redemption of our sins. The octagonal shape symbolizes regeneration. The canopy over the pulpit, while serving as a sounding board that carries the pastor's voice out to all the congregation, represents God's protecting hand.
The carved plate on the front of the pulpit includes the two tablets of the Ten Commandments (which are a reminder of our sins and the Law as given in the Old Testament), and the winged angel (which is a reminder of the Gospel of the New Testament). |
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"Eye of God"
The "Eye of God" symbol, located at the front of the nave, represents the all-seeing God looking over His flock. The triangle portrays the Triune God: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. The rays depict the influence of God extending outward all over the world.
The Eye of Providence is found in the very top wall above the depiction of Jesus above the altar. (Photo by Winifer Rosario)
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Pew's Hand Piece The hand piece on each limed oak pews is stained black with cornucopia patterns . It is black to remind us of our sins. Each time we enter a pew, we grasp the hand piece and this is a reminder that our sins are to be washed away by the grace of God in Christ.
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