Font
An object to hold water used for initiation into the Christian faith.

A person becomes a Christian, after being sprinkled with (or in some cases, emersed in) water. The font is situated in an area called the 'Baptistry'.

The top of the font in St John's is possibly made of Black Belgian Marble. The legs are made from Fossiliferous Limestone 350Million years old - see the fossils, molluscs & bi-valves.

Altar
The place where the Eucharist is celebrated and consequently the visual focus during Church Services.

The Eucharist is the thanksgiving meal of bread and wine given to us by Christ himself at the Last Supper. As he shared bread and wine with His disciples, Jesus commanded them to continue the practice -'Do this in remembrance of me'. Members of the cathedral congregation meet for the Eucharist each day. Christians believe that Christ makes himself known to them through the apostles' teaching, the breaking of bread and the prayers. (The Acts of the Apostles ch 2 v 42)

St John's Cathedral has several altars:
• The High Altar is the major focus and is situated at the East End in the Sanctuary
• The Nave Altar is moveable, and brought into the Nave Crossing to be closer to the congregation
• The Lady Chapel, The Holy Spirit Chapel and The Blessed Sacrament Chapel each has an altar used regularly for weekday celebrations of the Eucharist.

The Tabernacle
The place for keeping the Reserved Sacrament.

The sacrament, or consecrated bread and wine from the Eucharist, is kept in this special place for taking to people who are not able to come to the Cathedral. The Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament is a focus for private devotion

Note the angels decorating the posts of the screen around the altar

Cross
The death & resurrection of Jesus are central beliefs in Christianity.

This belief is stated in the Nicene Creed, "We believe in one God... We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ... He suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again... He ascended into heaven... We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life..."

Plain cross - seen on the High Altar and in the Lady Chapel
Crucifix A cross of the Dying Christ - seen on the wall of the Holy Sacrament Chapel and in the Baptistry.

Christus Rex or Christus Victor is a cross with the figure of the risen, victorious Christ - seen over the altar in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and above the pulpit.

The Cross over the pulpit shows a crucifix on one side and a Christus Rex the other side.

Canterbury Cross is a circular-style of cross indicating Celtic origins - the one in the Baptistry is a gift from Canterbury Cathedral in England. All Anglican Cathedrals in the world have one like this. Anglicans have an historic allegiance to the Archbishop of Canterbury

Find the 3 Canterbury crosses in St John's Cathedral.

Chancel - choir stalls and organ
As the name implies, the choir sings from this area. Music is an important part of worshipping God in the Christian tradition.

At the rear of the Choir Stalls, see the Misericords (Mercy Seats), a Medieval furnishings, which lift and allow a person to sit on the under-ledge, while looking as if still standing. Medieval monks used them in Europe during the long recitation of prayers and psalms. Two carved possums adorn the screen in the Organ Loft - a decoration installed by local craftsman, Colin Blumsen Snr.

Organisation of space
The overall shape of this gothic-style building is cruciform, or like a cross. The Ambulatories and the central Nave Aisle are used for processions in a variety of Services - weddings/funerals etc. The Congregation is seated in the nave, facing the altar.

Walk around the ambulatory and aisles, as the monks did in medieval times.

Votive candles
A Place is set aside for lighting candles with prayer, showing the significance of private prayer.

Candles indicate:

The light of Christ in times of darkness.

The eternal nature of prayer which continues long after a person has lit the candle. Candles are lit also on the Altar when a Service is in progress.

Light a candle and say thank you to God for something good in your life.

Dec 2002.