The pulpit was given in memory of J. and A. Barrett. The Christ icon next to it was very likely created by a member of the congregation. (See #37) INDEX
On the left of the sanctuary arch is a 1914-18 Honour Roll presented by J.L. and F.M. Stirling as a thank offering. Remembered are: H.R. Butler, P.A. Cockburn, J.V. Elliot, *L. Lovick, K. Marsh, G. Parker, *L.M. Paternoster, T.P. Wood, E.G. Stirling, L.E. Stirling, *M.G. Taylor, J.G. Taylor, H.L. Taylor, *F. Woolfitt, *P.J. Clark. (* Gave his life)
The plaque at left remembers Church worshipper Christine Catherine Mary Blue who died 4/8/1911. At centre is a plaque for Sgt L.M. Paternoster who was killed in action on 26/4/1916. At right is remembered John Coleridge Patterson Butler who died 1/8/1911 – the memorial erected by his friends.
These War Memorial plaques are in memory of: • Company Sgt Maj George Edward Packer who was accidentally killed 10/8/1921; • L/C Fred Woolfitt who was killed in action 25/4/1918; • Pte L.L. Lovick AIF who died of wounds 26/5/1918.
This beautiful window represents Charity (or Love), pair to the ‘Faith’ window opposite. All three Christian virtues (including Hope) are depicted in the East windows at St Mary’s, Milang. The window is the work of Archibald John Davies (1877-1953), a stained glass artist who was associated with the Bromsgrove Guild in the English West Midlands. His work is found in many churches and other buildings in England as well as Canada and South Africa.
We next turn our attention to the sanctuary, contained in the half-hexagonal apse. At centre are the altar, reredos, and a short pair of stained glass windows. Nearby is a small retable bearing candles and a brass platten, and with a small bell beside it. On either side is a banner, a candle stick and a brass plaque. In front is an altar rail and a broad space containing items of furniture.
This is an attractive space separating the pews from the sanctuary area. There is a plaque on the front of the desk, but I cannot read it.
The front face of the lectern has a small Cross within a Star of David. This front furniture is all constructed of matching timber.
The altar is the centre of activity during the administration of the Eucharist. The priest stands behind this altar to read the service, and the Elements of the Eucharist are set out on the altar in preparation for being received by members of the congregation who come forward to the altar rail.
We shall first look at the items on this side of the sanctuary. The use of candles in services is interesting. There is of course an allusion to Jesus being the Light of the world, but this would suggest just one candle – perhaps the Paschal Candle. More likely we have continued an early practice of using candles to supply light to the church!
The Church banner features an ornate Cross containing a Chi-Rho symbol. This is a monogram of chi (Χ) and rho (Ρ) as the first two letters of Greek Khristos Christ. The plaque is in memory of Herbert Humphrey Wyllie, Rector of this Parish 1899 – 1909, and also his wife Philippa, organist of this Church.
Many churches have a small table or shelf called a retable, close to the altar, often for placing the Eucharistic Elements before use. To the left is a small bell used in services, and on the table is a brass platten, candlesticks, and a small box which may be used as an aumbry? The box is in memory of Cora Emily Saunders who died January 29, 1944. The platten was designed as an offering plate with IHS in the centre, and ‘Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth’ around the rim.
The banner is a frequent symbol of the local Mothers’ Union. The sanctuary lamp has traditionally signified the presence of the Reserved Sacrament, but I suspect many Anglicans these days regard it as a symbol of the presence of God. Perhaps not so different!
The plaque on the South wall of the sanctuary states that the apse is dedicated to the memory of Mary Elizabeth Bussell 1837-1902 and to her daughter Evangeline 1857 – 1899.
The East windows which were installed in 1912, depict the Annunciation, the coming of the Angel Gabriel to announce to the young Mary that she was to have a baby ‘who would be called Son of God’ (Luke 1: 26-38). They form a second memorial in the church to John Coleridge Patterson Butler who died unexpectedly on the 1st August 1911, aged 25 years.
Lady Florence Stirling presented the handsome hand-carved reredos, executed by Miss Blanche Francis, of Pirie Chambers, Pirie Street, Adelaide. Miss Francis not only carved the piece, but was responsible for the design as well. The wood employed is a nicely grained walnut, and the design is bold in conception and attractively carried out. There are conventional roses across the top, with side panels of St Joseph lilies.
I hope you have enjoyed visiting Christ Church Anglican with me. We are enjoying our visits to these friendly country churches.
I am happy to receive constructive comments or corrections concerning this website. The best websites are the ones which have no errors! I am grateful to my wife Margie who came to Strathalbyn with me, and who has proof-read these pages. My grateful thanks to the Warden and ladies of this Church for their helpfulness and warm welcome.
The link for the Church website is given below, but there is little information about the building itself. More information is available from various old newspaper links.
http://strathalbynanglicans.org.au/
The photographs which appear on this site can also be found in higher resolution at:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/paulscottinfo/albums/
Site created 02 / 2017 ; reformatted 01 / 2021
Paul Scott