41. SOUTHERN MONUMENTS

Here is a sample of the monuments in the South aisle. Next to the one clear-glass window is this depiction of a star, apparently made up of small wooden circular components. The significance is not explained. The monuments remember David and Charles Morgan: the Morgan family played a significant role in the early Newport community.    PLAN

42. LOOKING BACK ACROSS THE NAVE

We next return to the central nave. From here we can see the eagle lectern, and behind it, two stands of organ pipes – one of which we have noted before in the Crindau Chapel. [Photo: DJ]

43. LECTERN AND CHANCEL ORGAN PIPES

The lectern (with a different background) follows the well known tradition of being in the form of an eagle, but here a distinctive version. It is from here that the scripture is read, Sunday by Sunday.    

44. TOMB GARDEN

On my visit, this unusual tomb garden was on display. Many churches and cathedrals display some form of tomb garden at Easter time, as a way of illustrating and visualising the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead.

45. PULPIT AND PASCHAL CANDLE

The pulpit and the Paschal candle stand at the front of the nave. The pulpit is the place from which the Gospel is proclaimed week by week. The Paschal candle illustrates that Jesus is the Light of the World. It is lit particularly at Easter time, but also on other special occasions.

46. NAVE LOOKING WEST

Looking back down the nave we see the doorway through to the Galilee Chapel, with the two War memorials listing the names of the fallen. So many names – emphasising the futility of war. [Photo: DJ]

47. NAVE ROOF

The roof of the nave is supported by timber arches – left very much in a rough state.

48. CHANCEL ORGAN CONSOLE

As we move into the chancel area, the organ console is on our right. There must be some information about this instrument ... .

49. CHANCEL

Two views looking Eastward up the chancel. Closest to us are pews for the choristers. Further away is the seating for the servers and members of the clergy. At far right is the Bishop’s throne, or cathedra. The central cross is a temporary installation, a reminder of the empty Cross of Easter past. We also note the two blue banners.

50. CHANCEL CEILING

Above the chancel is a rounded timber ceiling – simple but effective.

51. CHANCEL FLOOR SLABS

And when we look closely at the chancel floor, we see is is largely made up of abutting tomb stones. One stone remembers John Lewis who died in 1798.

52. CATHEDRA

This special seat or throne is called the ‘cathedra’, which is the Latin name for seat. It indicates that the Bishop of the Diocese is specially associated with this Church, and its presence here means that this Church gains the title ‘Cathedral’. This cathedra carries the name of Gilbert Cunningham Joyce who was the First Bishop of Monmouth, 1928 – 1940. Above is the coat of arms of the Diocese of Monmouth.

53. SANCTUARY

As we conclude our tour of this interesting Cathedral we come to the sanctuary. There is a simple altar and kneeling rail. One of the two banners is visible, and on the East wall a great work of art by John Piper.

54. MOTHERS’ UNION BANNERS

The two blue banners picture the Virgin Mary and Child – one in rather abstract form – and bear the name of the Mothers’ Union. One is a Diocesan banner, the other for the St Woolos Cathedral itself. The Mothers’ Union seeks to uphold the high principles of marriage and childcare, and the Holy Family is an obvious role model.

55. AUMBRY

On the left hand side of the altar is an aumbry – a locked compartment in the wall in which the blessed Elements of the Eucharist are stored. These are then available for use during the week. The sanctuary light indicates the presence of the Elements.

56. EAST WALL

The eye is drawn to John Piper’s huge bold mural and circular window, which depicts the creation. Its outline recalls the Norman architecture found elsewhere in this building. This completes our tour of St Woolos Cathedral.