21. NORTH SIDE COVERED WINDOWS

These are the reconstructed windows on the North side which are covered by the balcony. The window at left displays an Alpha and Omega (A and Z) – the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, denoting Christ as the Beginning and the End. The window at right shows a depiction of Luther’s Rose. This was the seal that was designed for Martin Luther at the behest of John Frederick of Saxony in 1530, while Luther was staying at the Coburg Fortress during the Diet of Augsburg. It is a widely recognized symbol for Lutheranism.   PLAN

22. WINDOW MOTIFS

This is a collection of the motifs of the four covered windows.

23. NORTH WALL

We now turn to the North wall with its three remaining windows.

24. TITLE

These three windows show from left: • an unusual picture of Jesus as the Good Shepherd; • the descending dove, generally thought of as the Dove of Peace; • the Cross – this window identical to the one on the opposite wall.

25. ORGAN AND WEST WINDOW

There are two identical windows from the balcony in the West wall of the Church. The first organ at Bethany is now to be found in St Thomas’ Lutheran Church, Stockwell, being replaced by the present instrument which was dedicated on 20 November, 1929. It appears to have remained in original condition until 1989 when some additions were made. For those who understand ‘Organese’, the present organ has description: B 1929 J.E. Dodd. 2 manuals, 8 speaking stops, 4 couplers, tracker. Rebuilt & enlarged 1989 George Stephens. 2 manuals, 11 speaking stops, 4 couplers, tracker Gt: 16.8.8.8.4. Sw: 8.8.4.2.II. Ped: 16.

26. BALCONY VIEW

There is a good view of the nave from the balcony.   We notice the pulpit, font and Paschal candle to the left under the banner.

27. PULPIT

Many churches have a pulpit from which the gospel is proclaimed and a lectern where the Bible stands and is read from. Here the lectern serves both purposes. Nearby stands the font with the inscription in German translating the words of Jesus: ‘Let the children come to me’.

28. PASCHAL CANDLE AND BANNER

The brightly coloured banner encourages the congregation to praise the Lord. Below, and in the corner, stands a Paschal candle. This is lit particularly over the Easter period, and alludes to the declaration that Jesus is the Light of the World.    

29. SANCTUARY AREA

The altar is the focus of worship. Wooden altar rails in front are for the congregation when they come forard to receive the Elements of Communion.

30. THE LAST SUPPER

Above the altar is a painting of ‘The Last Supper’. This is a copy of the late 15th-century mural painting by Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci housed by the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Italy. It is one of the Western world’s most recognizable paintings.

31. CRUCIFIX

We have been surpised at the appearance of a crucifix in every Barossan Luthern Church. Although Martin Luther was instrumental in bringing about the Reformation, he retained many of his Catholic beliefs, and it appears that the Lutheran Church has remained very much aligned with the Anglo-Catholic tradition.

32. ALTAR

There are a number of features to notice around the altar. On either side of the crucifix we have the letters Alpha and Omega – appearing in Revelation 21:6 and 22:13 describing Christ as the Beginning and the End. On the altar base is the iconogram IHS representing the name of Jesus. And on the altar are candles and an open Bible.

33. TITLE

The open Bible with its green bookmark is a common feature in these Lutheran churches. This completes our tour of Bethany Lutheran Church.