A good example is the Fishers of Men kneeler, with a distinctively Newcastle context. We were surprised to find this picture of St Peter’s Cathedral, Adelaide. PLAN
13A. PRAYER PLACE, CANDLE
As we cross over to the baptistry we pass a little shrine on our left, with a figure of Madonna and Child. Because its position directly opposite the entry, the baptistry immediately captures the eye of the visitor. It is possibly for this reason that Horbury Hunt placed it there: it is very effective positioning. At left of the font is the paschal candle, a symbol of Christ as the Light of the world..
13B. BAPTISTRY
The baptistry is elevated two steps above the floor of the nave. The marble floor was installed in 1902 and was a generous gift from the Women’s Guild. The font was a gift from Mrs Fuller as a memorial to her family. It is a magnificent structure, made in England by W. D. Caroë. It is made of white statuary marble and red Verona marble. The canopy is English oak, carved in the mediaeval tradition, and at the request of Mrs Fuller, designed to be reminiscent of the lantern tower of Ely Cathedral.
13C. FONT COVER
The elaborate font cover is supported on a small stool nearby. The font cover was restored in 1996 as a result of a gift by the Newcastle Business Club.
14. BAPTISTRY WINDOWS
The windows in the baptistry are associated with the Sacrament of Baptism, and depict (from left): • Noah and the Annunciation, • Moses and the Nativity, • Isaiah’s prophecy and the presentation of our Lord in the Temple, • St John the Baptist and the Holy Family, • Our Lord, • St Stephen and Jesus in the Temple, • St Philip preaching to the Ethiopians and the Baptism of Christ. The last of these windows is a memorial to George Augustus Middleton, first clergyman appointed north of the Hawkesbury River, and incumbent at Christ Church from 1820 – 1827. He was a Colonial Chaplain appointed by King George III.
15A. NAVE NORTH AISLE
Leaving the baptistry we note the simple lines of the North aisle. This cathedral has 72 stained glass windows, and eight of these lie along the North wall.
15B. NORTH WINDOWS I
The first four windows depict: • St Matthew ... Gift of Christ Church Sunday School 1906; • St Philip ... Gift of Girls’ Friendly Society 1906; • St Jude ... Gift of Christ Church Sunday School 1906; • St Bartholomew ... In memory of John and Sarah Ash by their children 1906.
15C. NORTH WINDOWS II
The next four windows continue the theme of Saints of the New Testament. In turn from the left we have: • St Andrew ... in memory of Samuel Simm, 27 years Incumbent of the Parish at Raymond Terrace and Canon of Christ Church Cathedral. Died 1874; • St Peter ... (same inscription as last); • St Luke ... in memory of Joseph Witter Allworth, for 19 years a leading Synodsman of this Diocese; • St Paul ... in memory of Richard George Beeble, Canon Chaplain of the first Bishop of Newcastle, a Pioneer Clergyman in this Diocese.
16B. ROUND WINDOW
The main feature here is the Burne Jones window called ‘Dies Domini’ which means ‘the Day of the Lord’. It depicts a youthful Christ coming in judgement, borne on the wings of four angels. The window was commissioned for Christ Church in 1906 and installed in 1907, the gift of John and Essie Wood. The window is remarkable for its sheer loveliness.
16C. IN THE NORTH TRANSEPT
Beneath the window is a small but beautiful baptismal font which was originally in the church in 1817. Above it is a brass plaque, remembering members of the 13th Battalion of the Australian Imperial Force who died in Gallipoli in 1915. On the West wall is another of the Cathedral’s colourful banners. The subject is St Nicholas. At right is a bust of Francis de Witt Batty, who was the Seventh Bishop of Newcastle from 1931 to 1953.
16D. PLAQUE
On the East column support is a list of benefactors whose generosity made possible the construction of the tower. The building of the tower was completed in 1979.
17A. NORTH TRANSEPT EAST
We move back into the nave and around past a small icon of the face of Christ presented by the Greek Orthodox Community, into the main section of the North transept. At left hangs another banner.
17B. TRANSEPT WINDOW WALL
Facing us, five long lancet windows of plain glass let in light. Below is a set of five stained glass panels,with a striking mural. These War Memorial panels painted by Reinis Zusters commemorate those who died in World War II and Vietnam, and were placed in the Cathedral in 1982.
17C. TRANSEPT CORNER CHAPEL
In the North East corner of this transept is the St Nicholas Chapel. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra (Turkey) in the 4th Century is the patron saint of sailors and children.
18A. SIDE ALTAR
Still in the North transept, and along the East wall ... . St Nicholas was known as a philanthropist. For the love of God he gave liberally to rescue the poor and needy, and is the original ‘Santa Claus’ (St Klaus). The altar in this chapel is beautifully carved. .
18B. ORGAN PIPES WEST
Christ Church Cathedral’s organ is one of the finest of its kind in Australia. The original organ, the pipe work of which forms the basis of the present instrument, was built in 1906 by Norman and Beard of Norwich, and contained 30 stops spread over three manuals and pedals.
18C. CRUCIFIX
Leaving the North transept we move out into the crossing which is the site of the liturgical platform – where the action takes place! On the North East column is mounted a terra cotta crucifix. The crucifix is intentionally confronting. Crucifixion was agonizing, messy and humiliating.
19B. PULPIT, STONE
The cedar pulpit was given by Clarence Hannell in 1884. The carved figures added in 1912 are Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Our Lord, St John the Baptist, St Peter and St Paul. At our feet is the foundation stone of the first church on this site, dating from 1817. Some of the original inscription is still visible: ‘G. R. Erected 1817 Lachlan Macquarie Esquire Governor by James Wallis Esquire Commandant’.