21. BANNER AND PULPIT

The colourful banner behind the pulpit displays an image of St Paul’s Church, and the Spiritus Gladius emblem we saw earlier in the foyer. These are linked by a stylised vine, with symbols Alpha and Omega at the base standing for Christ. We thus get the image from John 15 of Christ being the vine. The 1839 date refers to the time when the first Lutherans came to settle in Hahndorf.  The red carpet has a repeated fleur-de-lys design. The fleur-de-lys has Christian associations in representing the Trinity, or ‘faith, wisdom and chivalry’.    INDEX

22. FONT

The little marble baptismal font at the front of the Church is surprisingly heavy.   Baptism is regarded as the symbol of entry into a relationship with Christ and his church.

23. LECTERN

The eagle lectern stands to the right of the altar. From here the Scripture is read and prayers offered. Why is the eagle used?  Since the eagle soars upward, it is often used as a symbol of Jesus’ Resurrection and Ascension (lifting up) into Heaven. The eagle is also the symbol used to depict St John. None of which really explains the eagle lectern ... .

24. ALTAR SETTING

The most impressive part of this Church is the altar setting, which gives a simple focus for worship and meditation.

25. FRONT ROOF SUPPORT

High above the altar is this lovely end roof support with its fine lace carving.

26. ABOVE THE ALTAR

At the top of the altar backdrop is a star, and a banner text which reads: ‘Jesus Christus, Gestern und Heute und derselbe auch in Ewigkeit’ – Ebr 13,8 (Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever more – Hebrews 13 v8).

27. ALTAR

The lightly coloured carved wooden altar has a central budded cross, and the words: * Heilig * Heilig * Heilig * (Holy, Holy, Holy – text from Revelation 4:8).

28. ALTAR DETAIL

An open Bible stands on the altar, flanked by a pair of candlesticks, and with a small crucifix behind. I have always been interested that after the Reformation, Lutherans have tended to retain the crucifix, rather than the empty cross of many protestant denominations.

29. ALTAR BELL

If we look carefully we can see a small altar bell near the base of the candlestick at left. In the Lutheran church, the altar bell is rung at the two appropriate times during the Words of Institution (“This is my body ...” and “This is the cup of my blood ...”) to signify the real presence of Christ.

30. FOUNDATIONS OF FAITH

The open Bible and the crucified Christ are two central symbols of Lutheran belief. A good reminder as we conclude our visit to St Paul’s Church.