| The Main Altar The
central focus of any Anglican Church is the altar located in the area
called "the sanctuary". The altar of the church was carved of
stone by Herbert Boerne of Austin,
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Texas and is given in memory of Lilian
Young Batjer and Ernest George Batjer by their children and grandchildren.
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Embedded in the footspace under the rug
is a rectangular stone from the quarry of King Solomon. Also embedded here
are stones from Mt. Sinai. The reredos (over the altar) is a stone carved
depiction of our Lord on the Road to Emmaus. |
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The Choir.
Located in front of the sanctuary is the area called the choir.
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The two
areas together make up "the chancel". This area seats the choir
during worship services. The choir pews are of hand carved wood with the
intricate tracery typical of gothic architecture.
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The Lay Reader's podium
stands to the far left draped in the green of Epiphany and Pentecost (ordinary time). |
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| The Nave.
The main seating area is referred to as "the nave". The word
"nave" comes from our word for "navy". The etymology
of the word appears to come from the fact that many Anglican churches
when looking up to the ceiling,
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appear to look like the inside of a boat turned
upside down over the worship area, thus the word "nave."
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Legend has it that this style came
from the early Christian church whose members often were required to hide
under boats in order to escape being searched-out by their Roman
persecutors. The symbolism thus implies God's protection of his people.
Whether the legend is true or not, the symbolism is indeed comforting. |
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