OUR SANCTUARY History and Symbolism
The present sanctuary was dedicated to the glory of God as the first service was held February 10, 1963. The passage of time saw the removal of the gallery; the addition of the narthex, tower, and choir loft; the building of the first, and later the second, floor of the old educational building; and finally, a complete renovation of the sanctuary reflecting quiet beauty and reverence. Only the north wall is part of the original building, but the exterior remains little changed.
The Chancel
Extensive symbolism is incorporated in the sanctuary. The chancel of the church is divided with the Cross and the Communion Table, the central elements.
The Latin Cross, as pictured at the left, has ends terminating in three petals, a symbol of the Trinity. The letters “INRI” affixed to the center of the Cross stand for the Latin phrase which was on the cross: “Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum,” or “Jesus, King of the Jews.” The letters are affixed to a concave background of deep red, symbolizing the sacrificial death of our Saviour. The Alpha and Omega symbols on either side of the cross are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, symbolizing Christ as the beginning and ending of all things, and in accordance with the words that were written: “I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.” (Rev. 21:6). For a larger image of the Cross, please click on the thumbnail at the left.
The pair of five-stem candelabras symbolize the five wounds of our Lord on the Cross. Together, they total ten, which is the symbol of “wholeness”; symbolizing that by the wounds of Jesus Christ, on the Cross, we are made “whole” again.
The gold-leaf Chalice on the Communion Table represents the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Carved into the face of the Chalice are representations of wheat (the bread) and grapes (the wine), symbolizing the body and blood of our Lord.Other Sanctuary Symbols
The Burning Bush Placed on the Lectern, this symbol from the seal of the Presbyterian Church, U.S., recalls the experience of Moses at the bush which “burned but was not consumed,” and represents the Indestructible Church.
The Lamplaced on the Pulpit, this symbol from the seal of the Presbyterian Church, U.S., represents the Witnessing Church, in accordance with the statement of our Savior to His disciples, “Ye are the light of the world…Let your light…shine…”.
The DovePlaced on the Baptismal Font, this symbol from the seal of the Presbyterian Church, U.S., represents the Holy Spirit coming from the baptism of Jesus, as recorded in John 1:32. “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove…”.
