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Rev. 9/28/06
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REREDOS
Most church-goers are familiar with the symbols incorporated into
stained glass windows, from the Garden of Eden to Calvary and Resurrection.
But what of those intricate carvings behind our Chancel which contain
an abundance of meaning - from the birth of Jesus, to the martyrdom
of His Disciples. First Presbyterian's reredos and companion window
(Alpha et Omega) were dedicated at First Presbyterian's 175th
Anniversary Celebration on Nov. 20, 1938, gift of Mr. and Mrs.
Frederick McDonald.
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A reredos is a screen or decoration behind the altar in a
church, depicting religious symbols or icons, woven in a tapestry, or
carved in stone or wood.
At a time in history when the general populace had limited education,
and limited literacy, these symbols - like the statues and stained
glass windows found in the great cathedrals - told the story of
faith, sacrifice and redemption.
How strange that at a time of high literacy, we must now resort to
words to explain some of these symbols.
Most of us can guess at the significance of the six-pointed Star of
David, or the two tablets of stone. And most of us have been exposed
to the icons representing the four Evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke
and John).
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First Presbyterian's Reredos
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Our reredos contains other, less understood icons representing the
life and ministry of Jesus, and the tools of martyrdom associated
with his Apostles. Let's take a look, starting at bottom left.
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The Hand of God with Crown - one of the earliest symbols of
the Creator. In the Old Testament, Job and Ecclesiastes refer to the
"hand of God". |
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Serpent and Tree - tells the story of the temptation and fall
of Adam and Eve. "And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of
every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of
the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the
day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. (Genesis 2:16-17)
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The Ten Commandments - given to Moses at Mount Sinai. One
tablet concerns our intimate relationship with God. The other
concerns our ethical and compassionate relationship with one another.
(Exodus 34:1) |
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Serpent and Cross - prophesy of the crucifixion. The symbol of
the serpent has multiple meanings. A serpent tempted Adam and Eve.
Moses' staff turned into a serpent and vanquished the conjured snake
of the Pharoah's magician. ( Exodus 7:9-15) The serpent is also a
symbol of poison and treachery in many cultures.
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Lamb of God - "Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi"
- symbol of Jesus, who sacrificed so that we might be released from
the snares of sin. (John 1:29) The Paschal Lamb, an innocent and
spotless sacrifice, offered up at Passover.
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Six-Pointed Star of David - Jesus was born of the House of
David, in fulfillment of the prophecy of the Messiah. (Zecharaiah 12:1-14
and Luke 1:27) |
Click here for more symbols. |
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