41. SANCTUARY

Leaving the North transept, we come to the sanctuary. The altar and flowers make a pleasing display beneath the Eastern windows.  We notice the stained timber panelling across the back wall, and the door through to the vestry at right.      INDEX

42. SIDE WALLS OF THE SANCTUARY

Various chairs and little tables line the side walls of the sanctuary. We notice too the golden candle sticks, processional cross and platten.

43. SANCTUARY LAMP

There is a lighted sanctuary lamp hanging above the altar here. As commented previously, this light traditionally signifies the presence of blessed Elements of the Eucharist. However there is no visible aumbry or tabernacle here. For many years I have suspected that for many Anglicans the lighted sanctuary light signifies the presence of God, and that is a good thought.

44. ALTAR

The altar is a focal point in the Church as it is from here that the Elements of the Eucharist are administered. The altar cloth depicts a fruiting vine at each end.    At centre is a mandela containing the ‘ihs’ Christogram, seen before. On the altar is a small reading stand supporting a Bible, demonstrating the centrality of the Word of God.

45. EAST WINDOW

These windows show St Thomas at the left, Christ at centre, and St John at right.   The text under the figures reads: Thomas answered and said, •• “My Lord and my God.” St John XX:28 •• + Saint John +

46. REFLECTION

We conclude our visit to this Church while reflecting on the East windows.  St Thomas is an interesting choice for the patron saint of a church. For one such church I visited there was a story of there being doubt that the church would ever be built! Thomas is remembered for his doubting – often looked down on as a weakness. Yet doubt is a part of the Christian experience. And in the presence of Christ, Thomas became a disciple of strong faith. Tradition has it that in his later life Thomas travelled to India as a missionary.