A Tour of St. John`s - St. John`s of Lattingtown

Welcome to this t o u r booklet about our unique Parish Church. I hope
you will spend t i m e enjoying the b u i l d i n g and its sanctity.
May Cod bless you and yours and remember us in your prayers as we
remember you.
Father Simon
Seventh Rector
A Tour of Saint John's of Lattingtown
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The West End
Once you enter St John's you enter a place for reflecting and learning. The main door
handle to the church has an angel, a divine messenger on it and the Latin word 'pax'
meaning peace. Whenever someone enters St John's they are reminded of the words
of Jesus to his friends "Peace I leave with you." All those who enter are reminded that
God wants them to have peace, a wonderful message
of God's care for all. To just meditate on this before a
service or when visting the Church can bring healing
and calm to the human spint.
The inner porch has a window showing St, Francis and
those things associated with him. There is the crucifix
representing his meditation on the cross of San Damiano
in Assissi. There are the birds, a tree, rabbit, sheep and
donkey representing his love for his "brothers" and
"sisters" in nature. For example he preached to birds
and there was a rabbit who wouldn't leave him when
Francis saved him from the snare. St Francis shows the
passer by his stigmata which he received when he was
meditating on the wounds of Jesus. Wounds mystically
appeared on him showing his profound closeness and
"in touchness" with the cost of Calvary, that supreme
example of God's love for all people.
This was re-sited here at the entrance to
the Church in order to symbolically show
that baptism is the sacrament of entry into
the Church for Christians. It was given by
the Weir family. The lower basin is of carved
stone. The font cover is ornately carved
with four seated angels on a base covered
in flowers and animals, the latter being
symbols of fertility. The cover is surmounted
by what at first glance looks like the Virgin
and Child but on closer inspection is an
angel holding a child. Perhaps the idea here
is of a family hearing the message to bring
a child to be baptized through whatever
medium that message might come in the
modem age or of being watched over by a
Guardian angel.
Above the font is an ornate carving of a dove, representing the one mentioned in the Gospel narrative. The dove was seen as hovering
over creation in Genesis and is at work in the baptized not least as those newly initiated into the faith respond to nurturing in the body of
Christ. The windows behind the font show the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan on one side and John the Baptist. Underneath the former
are the words "Thou art my beloved Son: in thee I am well pleased". These words from St Luke draw those who stand here to remember
the uniqueness of Jesus as the Son of God.
A Tour of Saint John's of Lattingtown
The Processional Cross
To the left of the font is a very ornate cross used to lead the procession at main services. It is
painted in medieval colours and is in the style of a medieval bishop's crozier(crool<). On one side
the central depiction is of the Holy Spirit as a dove surrounded by symbols of the four evangelists
taken from the book of Revelation. There is the face of a man (St Matthew), a Lion (St Mark), an
Ox (St Luke) and an Eagle (St John). On the other side is the symbol of the lamb with the flag of
victory, representing the victory of Jesus over death This is surmounted by the hand of God raised
in blessing and flanked by two angels. The cross is undated but when carried aloft reminds us that
God was at work through the cross conquering death and that this is at the heart of the Good News
as written by the evangelists
The St Christopher window and our windows
Whilst this saint has fallen into disrepute due to a tenuous history, he is still a symbol of
pilgrimage. This reminds us that our Christian journey begun at the font is a lifetime of
discipleship. The saints have gone on before and help us by their example and witness.
Other windows in our Parish Church have been influenced by glass makers in France and the
United Kingdom. Each one tells the story of faith.
The Organ Loft
This is a great work of art on it's own. The organ case is intricatly carved
and surmounted by three angels with trumpets and on the face of the
gallery there are three angelic figures. This seems to speak of the
heavenly choir accompanying the earthly choir and organ emphasising
that the whole of the created order are involvled in the praise of God. We
need to remember that we are not alone in our praising.
The Nave
This word comes from the Latin "navis" meaning ship
or boat and reminds those who sit underneath it about
a number of things. If we look at the roof of the nave
it looks like the inside of an upturned boat. We are
reminded that the disciples were fishermen but more
particularly that the Church is like a large boat or ark
holding people of faith together on the rough sea of life
and helping to carry them along on the pilgrim journey.
An old image of the Church was as the "ark of salvation"
but this has grown out of favour as a motif in recent
years as it implies a faultless institution!
A Tour of Saint John's of Lattingtown
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The Pews
We find the pews in the nave which are the seats for all who come to worship. The end of each pew has a different ornamentation.
In a medieval church the nave would have had no pews as it was the people's place to walk around and dance and hold markets
etc. The nave originally was used as the local community place in the churches of medieval Europe. They only became sacralized
in more recent centuries.
Carvings on roof beams
The design of the roof and the loftiness of the arches
causes the observer to look upward at the roof space. The
joinings of the roof panels are marked by polychromed
carved flowers. Below the roof are carvings of fruits,
flowers, nuts, animals etc. Again we have a celebration
of God in nature. It is as if the carving acts to point us to
God as the great Creator, making such a beautiful and
varied world. The rib vaulting ends with eight angels,
playing various instruments, including cymbals. No design
is alike.
Chapel
Part of a 1953 extension was the adding of the side
chapel for weekday celebrations of the Eucharist. The
ornate reredos has the first and last letter of the Greek
alphabet carved on it the Alpha and Omega reminding on
lookers that in the Book of the Revelation penned by St
John, Jesus says "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end." These mystenous
words imply that Jesus is the beginning and end of all history and time. These letters speak to us of
Jesus as the Lord of time and space, to be worshipped with awe and wonder. The Cross and crown
point us to Jesus as the King of the universe. On the front of the altar is the symbol of new life and
resurrection once again reminding those who come to the altar that they are able to always receive
the life of Jesus as they participate in the Sacrament
Aumbry
Set into the wall of the side chapel is an aumbry or wall safe for the reserving of the Sacrament
consecrated at earlier services. In 1215 at the Lateran Council the Pope at a time when the Church of
the West was united, declared that the consecrated Host(the bread prayed over at the Eucharist)had
to be kept in a locked container for reasons of safety, security and reverence. The aumbry was
originally an Italian custom but spread throughout the world. The door of the aumbry at St John's
is very ornate and showing a thriving vine with grapes. It draws those who look to remember Jesus
as the vine who refreshes us in the Eucharistic meal. The Sacrament is reserved for a vahety of
reasons not least to ensure that there are always consecrated elements to take to the sick and dying
in emergency. For many Chnstians the place of reservation is somewhere to be still, remember,
pray and worship and to give thanks for Jesus who said "this is my body for you." His sacramental
presence is revealed in a special and sacred way in the sacrament of the altar. In some churches this
area is marked by a white or red lamp. It is a good place to be still and alone with God.
A Tour of Saint John's of Lottingtown
Woodcarving in the Sanctuary
These were produced by the Clow brothers in English oak. Sir Robert Lorimer
masterminding the embellishment of St John's shows through the woodwork "all his
understanding of the Romantic Gothic style", He had completed the beautiful Thistle
Chapel in St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland and St John's took on the same
magnificence. The detail and positioning of the carving is deliberate drawing the
worshipper to look upward. Each of the carvings represents traditional Christian symbols
which once again link us to the tradition and culture of the wider Church of which this
Episcopal Church is a part. The interior carving in the Church was added in 1922 and like
all the windows (apart from the Guthrie window) were gifts from Mr and Mrs JP Morgan.
A Church which had previously been relatively very plain and simple became something
quite unique and a wonderful and inspihng teaching aid.
At the bottom of the cresting near the roof are thirty-four hand carved and gilded figures.
Beginning on the left hand side, they are:
A cross, two doves of peace and two olive branches. We are reminded of the bird sent
from Noah's ark and the finding of a branch as a sign that life was present after the
flood.
IHS, the first three letters of the name Jesus in Greek, the ohginal language of the New
Testament manuscripts.
A serpent on a cross reminding us of the cause and cure of sin.
A ship linking us to the boats of the disciples and the old idea of the Church being like an ark of safety in a turbulent world.
Three interlocking fishes, a symbol of the doctrine of The Holy Trinity: One God, three persons which is at the heart of Christian
belief.
A six pointed star which is an ancient symbol of creation.
Flames reminding us of the coming of the Holy Spirit at the First Pentecost to empower the disciples for mission and service. That
same Holy Spirit is at work today, the church believes.
A fleur-de-lis, symbol of the Trinity.
The seven branched candlestick or Menorah linking Christians to a Jewish artifact and representing the seven gifts of the
Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge, true Godliness and holy fear. These are the gifts prayed for at
Confirmation.
A cross on top of a lighthouse.
The monogram XP the first of the two letters of the name Christ in Greek. Christ means "anointed one" or "special one" and this
points people to the uniqueness of Jesus.
Two doves eating grapes representing the redemption of Christian souls.
A Chalice reminding us of the importance of the Eucharist in Christian tradition.
A heart standing for Christian charity and the heart of Jesus broken in love for the world at Calvary. Scripture says that blood and
water poured from Christ's side and medically this is a sign of a broken heart.
Three dice are shown recalling the "casting of lots" for the robe of Jesus at His crucifixion.
A Tour of Saint John's of Lattingtown
A Crown of thorns and three nails representing the agony and reality of the crucifixion.
A ladder and a seamless cloth-again symbols of the passion.
A column and whip-symbols of the flogging of Jesus
A cockerel - a reminder of St Peter's denial of Jesus as well as representing watchfulness and vigilance
The cross - the central symbol of the Chhstian faith
A hammer and forceps-further passion symbols
The Alpha and Omega, first and last letters of the Greek alphabet.
Two doves drinking from a chalice symbolizing redeemed Christian souls
A crown and laurel wreath symbols of the Christian call to "run" and "finish" the race of life
A cross and crown symbolizing the paradox of sacrifice and victory, death and resurrection
Scales and balances signifying judgment and justice
The cross - the symbol of faith
The anchor - reminding us that Chhstians have "an anchor" in Christ
A heart surrounded by a flame which acts as a powerful symbol of the love of Jesus which burns for every human being
Two doves, symbols of peace
Jesus shown as the Good Shepherd, always longing to bring the lost back home and give His sheep pasture
A peacock which is a symbol of immortality as the ancients believed it's flesh was indestructible
A crown pointing to victory and winning the race
A lamp representing Jesus "the light of the world"
On the wall of the Guthrie High Altar window there are ten more carvings with gilding and color. Beginning at the left side again :
St Matthew - the ram
A cross
St Mark - the lion
The Phoenix, symbol of immortality
The lamb with a banner, symbol of the sachfice and victory of Jesus in His death and resurrection.
The Pelican, symbol of Jesus and the Eucharist because of the ancient belief that it fed it's young with it's own blood
An anchor, a symbol of hope
St Luke - the Ox.
Another heart mounted by a crown speak of "the King of love."
St John, represented by the Eagle.
A Tour of Saint John's of Lattingtown
Angels hold out two scrolls on either side of the High altar with the words "In the
beginning" from St John's Gospel. This reminds us that Jesus was the ancient
"Word" from Jewish religion and philosophy, who was with God at the beginning
and became flesh "and dwelt among us."
Above the sacristy (south side) is a carving of three angels (messengers) reading
and above the acolyte room opposite there is another carving of three angels playing
musical instruments. Behind the Credence Table is a panel of two angels holding a
chalice with the sun's rays behind it. This looks as if it might have been a possible
location for the aumbry especially with the eucharistic emblem of the chalice. The
carving speaks of the light that comes as people participate in faith in the Eucharist
and receive Jesus in and through the mystery of the consecrated elements.
The Chancel
The Altar
Many religions have had altars and so has Christianity. However in the course of
time there has been great debate about whether it is an appropriate name or not for
the place where the elements of bread and wine are offered and sanctified "to be for
your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of unending
life in him" (BCP p.363). In Anglicanism it can also be called the Lord's Table or the
Holy Table. The word altar is appropriate however as it has it's roots in the Latin
word for "sacrifice" and it is at the altar that we recall the sacrifice of Jesus on the
cross and receive Him at every Eucharist as we participate in Holy Communion.
He comes in the mystery of the consecrated bread and wine to nourish us with
Himself. Let us pray that we may recognise him in the breaking of the bread as
did the disciples on the Emmaus Road and receive his life and empowerment for
Chhstian service.When we think of sacrifice we pray that our lives may be a "living
sachfice" for God and God's work
The altar at St John's is made of wood and is dressed in the liturgical colour of
the season. It is covered with a linen cloth for the purposes of dignity though any
particles may be caught on the corporal a smaller cloth placed above it. "Corpus" is
the Latin word for "body" and before the Reformation the priest would say Corpus
Christi (in English "The Body of Chrisf) referring to the consecrated Host (bread)
which would be broken over the corporal. The altar is at the 'east end' of the Church
so that we think of the rising sun in the east reminding us that Jesus rose at the first
Easter, as bright as the rising sun.
Our High Altar (the main altar) is flanked by riddle posts and a reredos. These posts
are surmounted by carved angels carrying lights reminding us that Jesus comes
to give us light and hope at the Eucharist, These carved angels are "messengers"
of this. The word angel is from the Greek for "messenger".These two candles are
lit in addition to the altar candles at the main Sunday Eucharist to indicate that this
is our main sung and solemn celebration of the Eucharist. It is the centre of the
worshipping life of the parish. The reredos or carved background to the altar has
the symbol of a dove on it reminding that phest and people call down the Holy Spiht
to transform bread and wine into the Sacrament of Christ's Body and Blood.
Angels
A Tour of Saint John's of Lottingtown
Just like the dove brooded over the creation in the book of Genesis so the Church asks the
Holy Spirit to brood over the gifts of bread and wine and us all as we share the Euchahst
together being creative in all who share in each service. The dove has over it the Divine
Hand raised in blessing with an angel drawing attention to all this.
Behind the altar the reredos has niches for statues or flowers. In this parish flowers fill the
spaces to act as both reminders of God's gift of creation and the loved ones for whom the
flowers are given in memory week by week.
The Pulpit
The Pulpit
The word pulpit is from a Latin word which means "raised platform" and it is from here
that the word of God is preached. This pulpit is made out of a single oak tree and ornately
carved with foliage and grapes. As Christians we are asked to listen to the sermon as
God longs to speak to us - to encourage and to challenge. A statue of St. John faces the
congregation.
The Lectern
This comes from the Latin word "legere" which means to read. It is from here that the bible
is read and again we are to be attentive to the sacred text as it is "God breathed" (1 Tim 3:
16). On the front of the reading desk is a carving of two angels holding the kingly crown of
Jesus surmounting his heart of love. This brings to mind the words of the hymn "The King
of love my Shepherd is" helping us to remember that God guides us and feeds us with the
food and pasture of the Word.The base of the lectern has numerous lions on it reminding
us to be strong in our doing of the Word and in our proclamation of it.
The Lectern
The Sedilia
On the south side of the sanctuary by the altar is a large and long seat (sedere means "to
sit" in Latin) which is like those found in medieval churches. Here the priest, deacon and
sub deacon would sit at the liturgy. The very fact that we have one links the tradition at St
John's to older traditions and customs. We are reminded that the Church has a long and
rich history. We are part of a stream of Christian life and witness that has stretched across
the centuries.
The Credence Table
Again on the south side of the altar is a raised table where the silver is placed before
the Eucharist. This term comes from the Latin world for 'belief or trust.' It refers to such a
table for holding food for sampling to detect poison. Maybe some priests were originally
suspicious!
The Sedilia