41. CATHEDRA JG MJ

Every cathedral has a bishop’s throne or chair. A bishop has oversight of a group of churches called a diocese. One of those churches – usually the biggest and best! – is specially chosen to house the bishop’s throne or cathedra (from the Latin). It is from the presence of the cathedra that the chosen church gains the name ‘cathedral’. This cathedra was carved locally, and is the only surviving piece of the original woodwork in the chancel.    INDEX

42. NORTH CHOIR STALLS JG

The choir stalls are not as elaborate as some, but are delicately carved, like the choir screen. The stalls are made from Austrian oak and were added in 1909. The Cathedral has a voluntary choir of around 20 voices, men and women, singing for the 11 a.m. Eucharist Sunday by Sunday.

43. CHOIR CARVINGS JG JG

There are some carved treats to look out for though – on the ends of the pews.

44. SANCTUARY MJ

Beyond the choir seating we come to the sanctuary which lies within the Eastern apse. The high altar lies behind a low railing, and there is a stone piscina at left and a set of stone sedilia to the right. Above are three stained glass windows.

45. KNEELERS JG JG

Just in front of the low railing we find a set of decorated tapestry kneelers. On occasions when communion is served from the high altar – probably a rare event these days – parishioners would come and kneel on these kneelers to receive the bread and the wine.

46. APSE ROOF JG

The apse roof is made up of fitted timber panels with faint decoration. I always enjoy the geometry of apse roofs!

47. APSE WINDOWS MJ MJ MJ

The stained glass windows in the apse, like the windows in the transepts and nave, are all by the London firm of Hardman and Co. These apse windows date from 1869-70. They show Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, the route to Calvary, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection. For a closer look at these windows, click here.

48. HIGH ALTAR JG JG

The High Altar and Reredos are of Caen stone. The panels in the Reredos are: the Agony in the Garden; the Crucifixion; and the Resurrection. This completes our tour of the Cathedral Church of St Andrew in Inverness.