Beyond the pulpit is the North ambulatory. There are two windows in the (left) outside wall, and three items on the wall between. The ambulatory appears to lead to a Cathedral kitchen. The ambulatory opens to the choir and sanctuary on the right hand side. Cathedrals always have problems knowing what to do with their extra chairs! In theory there is a walkway following right around the outside of the semicircular apse. PLAN
42. NORTH AMBULATORY MEMORIALS
There are three items on this ambulatory wall. They are: • a memorial plaque for missionary doctor June Shevill, who died in 1970; • a memorial plaque for William Paul Hohenhouse, long serving archdeacon and sub dean of this Cathedral; • an Aboriginal style painting, probably of local significance.
43. AMBULATORY WINDOWS
There are two stained glass windows in this ambulatory. They left window has a theme of justice based on the Law of Moses. The right window has a Christ theme: Alpha and Omega, and the Eucharist. The shell insignia of St James alludes to this Cathedral, and the owl at the top speaks of wisdom.
44. SOUTH AMBULATORY
On the South side of the choir/sanctuary is another ambulatory. Here we have another two stained glass windows on the right (outer) wall, and in fact, four items on the wall between. On the far wall is a Canterbury Cross and a steel grill gate. More chairs!
45. SOUTH AMBULATORY WNDOWS
The two simple windows here depict St Anne and St Margaret. Anne was the mother of the Virgin Mary according to Church tradition. This St Margaret is likely to be St Margaret of Scotland (c. 1045 – 1093), also known as Margaret of Wessex. She was an English princess and a Scottish queen.
46. AMBULATORY MEMORIALS
The memorial at left is a plaque in memory of Cheryl Jennifer Keene (1950 –2007) who made many contributions to cathedral life. She is described as ‘a feather on the breath of God’ – a name given to Hildegarde of Bingen. At right is a memorial to Archdeacon Francis D. Pritt who died in 1903. He became Vicar of North Rockhampton in 1889, and came to this diocese in 1894 to take charge of the missionary work among the Melanesians on the Herbert River. Mr Pritt was also elected to the canonry in the gift of the clergy.
47. MORE AMBULATORY MEMORIALS
The worn brass plate at left commemorates 70 years of pioneer work done by the Church amongst the Aboriginal people of the State. It was given on July 1st, 1960. The shield at right remembers E.J.B. Wareham who died in 1909. He was a member of the Chapter and a chorister for many years.
48. THROUGH TO THE SEAMEN’S CHAPEL
At the end of the South ambulatory there is a steel grid locked door. On the wall next to it is a Canterbury Cross with inscription: one of many given out to Anglican cathedrals throughout the world as a symbol of friendship and community. There is no signage here, but several pointers indicate that this is (or was) the Seafarer’s (Seamen’s) Chapel. The window seen through the door is shown at right. It shows Jesus raising the widow’s son.
49. THREE FISH WINDOW
I was let into the Chapel to photograph the triangular window above the external door. Spectacular!
50. CHOIR AND SANCTUARY
We return to the nave and stand facing the choir and sanctuary. In the closer area there are side rails with seating behind, for choir or servers. To the right is a low arrangement which appears to be a War Memorial display. Then looking up, we see the roof of the apse, and the apse clerestory windows..
51. WAR MEMORIAL DISPLAY
This arrangement is probably temporary. There is no explanation, but the draped cross, flowers, and the red poppies with ‘Lest we forget’, all point to this being a war memorial display.
52. APSE ROOF
Above us soars the apse roof adjoining the gable of the nave with similar hammer-head supports.
53. APSE NORTH CLERESTORY WINDOWS
There are twelve clerestory windows encircling the apse, each depicting a Biblical figure. Here are the first six, showing from the left: Archangel St Michael, St Thomas, St Philip, St Andrew, St John, and Christ (‘Pastor Pastorum’ = Pastor of the Pastors).
54. APSE SOUTH CLERESTORY WINDOWS
And then there are the next six: St James, St Peter, St Matthew, St James the Less, St Bartholomew, Archangel St Gabriel. This leaves out three of the disciples: Jude, Simon and Judas – although the omission of Judas is not surprising.
55. CATHEDRA
The cathedra is the bishop’s throne, and shows the special attachment the bishop has to this church – hence the name ‘cathedral’. The top emblem is made up of two crests: that on the left is the crest of the North Queensland Diocese. The text reads (wth great difficulty!): The Throne and Canons Stalls are dedicated to the glory of God and in grateful remembrance of John Oliver Feecham, then Bishop of the Diocese of North Queensland, 1913–1947, a great spiritual leader, a most generous friend, a lover of souls. Resquiescat in Pace..
56. SANCTUARY
Finally we turn our attention to the sanctuary. At centre is the high altar, flanked by candlesticks, and with the three green panels behind acting as a reredos. Other items of interest are the recessed seat and banner at left, and the cross and candlesticks at right.
57. ALCOVE SEAT AND BANNER
The banner at right carries the name and emblem of the North Queensland Diocese. The special recessed seat is of some interest, being the bishop’s stall, as signified by the Bishop’s (Diocese’s) logo above and on the cushion.
58. CANDLES AND CROSS
The high altar is flanked by three golden candle sticks on each side. I have wondered about the significance of candles in churches and cathedrals. Historically they were used to provide light, but these days it appears that their use is just a matter of tradition (and beauty?). The cross and candles to the right of the altar are designed to be used in clerical processions.
59. THREE SANCTUARY FIGURES
This rather unorthodox reredos is made up of three distinct panels. At centre is a panel depicting Christ the King. The panels on either side depict Queenslanders representing major industries and educational facilities.
60. SANCTUARY ALTAR
And at centre is the high altar bearing two further candles. The altar frontal has ine image of the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) along with text which reads: ‘Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world’. This completes our tour of St James’ Cathedral. Several historic photos follow.