Importance of Symbolism

Symbols speak a universal language for they are "thoughts expressed by objects."  They help us to objectify ideas yet do not limit our thoughts.  According to Old Testament Writers, God himself taught the people by means of symbols.  The authors of the Bible used symbols widely.  The use of Christian symbols can give content to, and help direct, our thoughts into patterns of worship.

Biblical references are from the Revised Standard Version.

Over the Front Door

From East to West

Anchor Cross

The Cross is a symbols for the Risen Christ.  The Anchor is one of the earliest Christian symbols of hope.  Thus the Anchor Cross symbolizes the hope for salvation through Christ's death and resurrection.

"We have this (hope) as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, --"
Hebrews 6:19

Cross and Crown

The Cross represents the Risen Christ, and the crown represents supremacy.  This figure symbolizes death and heavenly reward - a symbol of life everlasting.


"I will give you the crown of life."
Revelation 2:10

Loaves in a Basket

This symbol depicts the miracle of Jesus feeding the multitudes.




"-he looked up to heaven and blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples-"
St. Matthew 14:19

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West Side of Nave

From North to South

Star

The star represents Jesus, and the shaft of light from the Star denotes Divine Presence.  This symbol depicts the manner in which the Magi were led to the place of Jesus' birth.

"For we have seen his Star in the East and have come to worship him."
St. Matthew 2:2

Lamp and Book

The lamp represents knowledge.  An open book represents the Word of God, thus this symbolizes knowledge of the Word of God.



"Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Psalm 119:105

Font and Dove

The descending dove represents the Holy Spirit.  The shaft of light denotes Divine Presence.  The font represents baptism.  Together these symbols depict the baptism of Jesus, as recorded in all four Gospels.

"-the Spirit of God descending like a dove."
St. Matthew 3:16

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North Side of Nave

From North to South

1 - God's Purpose for Jesus

Cross and Dove

The ascending dove on the Cross represents the sacrifices of Jesus.  The shaft of light denotes Divine Presence.  Thus this symbolizes the sacrificial nature of Jesus's life.





"For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that - the world might be saved through him."
St. John 3:16-17

2 - The Sacrifice of Jesus

Agnus Dei

The lamb is a sacrificial animal.  The cruciform nimbus denotes Divinity.  The banner denotes triumph.  Together these symbols represent Jesus, who was sacrificed, but rose triumphant over death.




"Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world."
St. John 1:29

3 - The Crucifixion of Jesus

Three Crosses

The three Crosses symbolize the Crucifixion scene as recorded in the Gospels.









"-and they came to a place called Golgotha-"
St. Matthew

4 - The Founding of the Church

Ark

Clement of Alexandria (150-200 A.D.) was one of the early Church Fathers who gave approval to certain symbols. Clement said, "Let our seals (symbols) be either a dove or a fish or a ship scudding before the wind." The symbol of the ship represents the Church.

"For the whole business of the Church is like unto a great ship, bearing through a violent storm men who are of many places, and who desire to inhabit the city of the good kingdom."
Quotation from "The Epistle of Celement (of Rome 30-100 A.D.) to James."

5 - The Church's Teachings

Shepherd's Crook

The crook is used in caring for the flock.  This symbolizes the care and concern of the Church for its people.








"I am the Good Shepherd"
St. John 10:11

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The Chapel

From North to South

Missionary Windows

St. Paul and St. Peter

St. Mark and St. Matthew

St. John and St. Luke

Sword and Book            Crossed Keys

The book represents the Word of God, which describes Paul's missionary activity.  The sword depicts the manner of this martyrdom-decapitation.

The keys represent Jesus' words to St. Peter.  Shown in the position of a Cross Saltire, they depict the manner of Peter's martyrdom - crucifixion.

"-testifying to the Kingdom of God and about Jesus-"
Acts 28:23

"And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven-"
St. Matthew 16:19

Winged Lion         Winged Man

The lion is an animal of the wilderness.  This Gospel tells in full the story of Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist, and refers to John as "the voice of one crying in the wilderness."

The man symbolizes the human lineage.  This Gospel tells of the human nature of Jesus' life.

"-the voice of one crying in the wilderness,-"
St. Mark 1:3

"Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son-"
St. Matthew

Eagle                  Winged Ox

The eagle is used as a symbol of great strength and soaring qualities.  This gospel tells of the spiritual nature of Jesus' life.


The ox is a sacrificial animal.  This Gospel tells of the sacrificial nature of Jesus' life.


"-and the Word became flesh and dewelt among us-"
St. John 1:14

"-this Scripture must be fulfilled in me-"
St. Luke 22.37

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East Side of Santuary

From South to North

Star and Nails

The star represents Jesus.  The nails depict the implement of his death.



"-I see in his hands the print of the nails,-"
St. John 20:25

I.N.R.I.

These are the initials of the Latin words in the inscription with which Jesus was mocked at the time of his trial and crucifixion.

"Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews."
St. John 19:19

Sun and Moon

The sun and moon are often represented in scenes of the Crucifixion to indicate sorrow of all Creation at death of Christ.


"-and there was darkness over the whole land, - While the sun's light failed,"
St. Luke 23:44

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West Side of Sanctuary

From South to North

Crucifix

This symbol depicts the Crucifixion scene.




"And they crucified him-"
St. Mark 15:24

Chalice and Wafer

These symbols represent the bread and wine of the Holy Communion which was instituted on the eve of the Crucifixion.


"Do this in remembrance of me."
I Corinthians 11:24

Phoenix

The Phoenix was a mythical bird which burst into flames at its death, but rose anew from its ashes.  This is a symbol of the resurrection and life everlasting.

Symbol taken from ancient oriental mythology - not the bible.