Welcome to the Church of St Thomas the Apostle, Hanwell. Churches are unlike any other building. They are places for our daily and Sabbath prayers, and a focus for our community and family. They are the places for the important times of our lives, for births, weddings and funerals. They are places of interest and are often a centre for social history, art and music. However, primarily they direct our hearts to the God and the gospel and provide a centre for our interior pilgrimage. As you walk through the church and the surrounding land it is very much like a pilgrimage as so much of the building or artifacts remind you of God. Elain Harwood of English Heritage wrote in 1995 : This is Edward Maufe‟s finest church. Many people regard it as being more successful than his Guildford Cathedral and certainly more cohesive and richly detailed St Thomas‟ was paid for by the demolition of St Thomas‟, Portman Square. This church was in fact on Orchard Street and was built in 1858 by P. C. Hardwick. A reordering scheme was started in 1906 under the architect Arthur Blomfield and in 1911 a new reredos was ordered , designed by Cecil Hare, Bodley‟s last partner and successor to his practice. A drawing by Hare exists showing the reredos although by 1911 the entire funds has not been raised for its manufacture. This reredos was installed at St Thomas, Hanwell in 1934. The 3 manual Walker Organ also came from St Thomas‟ Portman Square. The building stands on land donated by the Earl of Jersey and it was he who laid the Foundation Stone on 8th July 1933. The Fortress There has long been a tradition that churches have resembled a fortress. Indeed, there are many occasions throughout the centuries when church buildings have been used as refuges from marauding armies. During World War II, parts of St Thomas‟ (particularly the children‟s chapel) were used as an air raid shelter. David referred to God as „his fortress‟ And David spoke to the LORD the words of this song on the day when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. He said, "The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence. 2 Sam 22:1-7 (RSV) see also Psalm 18.1-2 Jerusalem stands some 2,500 feet above see level and is a natural fortress and was used as such for some 3000 years before Christ. About 1000 BC it was know as mount Zion and it was conquered by King David. King Solomon built the first Temple on Mount Zion and it was very much associated with the idea of a fortress and citadel. When Nehemiah talks of returning to Jerusalem he asks for timber: “to make beams for the gates of the fortress of the temple, and for the wall of the city, and for the house which I shall occupy." Neh 2:7-8 (RSV) Many of the Psalms also repeat the imagery of God being our Fortress and safety: In thee, O LORD, do I seek refuge; let me never be put to shame; in thy righteousness deliver me! Incline thy ear to me, rescue me speedily! Be thou a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me! Yea, thou art my rock and my fortress; for thy name's sake lead me and guide me, take me out of the net which is hidden for me, for thou art my refuge. Into thy hand I commit my spirit; thou hast redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God. Psalms 31:1-5 (RSV) O my Strength, I will sing praises to thee; for thou, O God, art my fortress. Psalms 59:9 (RSV) But I will sing of thy might; I will sing aloud of thy steadfast love in the morning. For thou hast been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. O my Strength, I will sing praises to thee, for thou, O God, art my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love. Psalms 59:16-17 (RSV) For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Psalms 62:5-7 (RSV) In thee, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame! In thy righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline thy ear to me, and save me! Be thou to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for thou art my rock and my fortress. Psalms 71:1-3 (RSV) He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, who abides in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust." For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence; he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. Psalms 91:1-4 (RSV) Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle; my rock and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and he in whom I take refuge, who subdues the peoples under him. O LORD, what is man that thou dost regard him, or the son of man that thou dost think of him? Man is like a breath, his days are like a passing shadow. Bow thy heavens, O LORD, and come down! Touch the mountains that they smoke! Flash forth the lightning and scatter them, send out thy arrows and rout them! Stretch forth thy hand from on high, rescue me and deliver me from the many waters, from the hand of aliens, whose mouths speak lies, and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood. Psalms 144:1-8 (RSV) THE ROOF In the first half of the 20th century churches were plagued by fire and the threat of deathwatch beetle. the architect therefore was keen to use reinforced concrete for the roof. St Thomas‟ was only the second church in the country to be built with reinforced concrete foundations and vault, the vault was lined with acoustic plaster (asbestos). The first being a now demolished chapel in Brighton. This was an experiment with the form of construction proposed for Guildford which was started in 1936. The vault rests upon the load bearing silver grey Tondu bricks from South Wales which Edward Maufe notes are „particularly strong‟. the reinforced concrete foundations and the vaulting was designed by the Consulting Engineer, Burnard Green. Construction of St Thomas‟ began in 1933 and was completed in 15 months by Messrs.Dove Brothers of Islington. the Clerk of Works Arthur Jones. The total cost of the works was £15,319 Elain Harwood of English Heritage (1995) again writes …Inside the feeling is of a great church exquisitely miniaturized. Indeed, it has frequently been said that Maufe's distinctive and austere style was better suited to the small scale than to a cathedral. Moreover, St Thomas's substantiates Pevsner's admission that Maufe was 'a man with genuine spatial gifts" (Surrey, 1971, p.214)....The initial impression is of a nave and chancel of equal height given a semblance of religious presence by narrow passage aisles cut into the thick piers of the vault… The east end is more complicated, however. One becomes aware of a cross axis along the front of the chancel, and another in front of the sanctuary itself. " ST THOMAS The proposed church was to have the same patron saint (St Thomas) as the one that was demolished to finance it. St Thomas is traditionally known as the Church Builder of the Apostles. The identifying symbol of St Thomas is the right angled tool known as the „builder‟s square‟ and also the spear, which are often shown in threes. You will find this motif of the „builder‟s square‟ in many parts of the church, in the floor, in the windows, on the carpets, on the light fittings and even on the rainwater hoppers outside. This also serves as the popular form of church decoration „the chevron‟ which has the added suggestion of the Trinity and also was seen to represent a stylized „lily‟ which is the symbol associated with the Blessed Virgin Mary. Spears can also be found in the windows, on the gates, on the carpets, on the prayers desks etc. The sign of St Thomas the Apostle - a builder's square and three spears can be seen on the church-wardens staff and various other places in the church. The sign indicates that Thomas was a builder and the spears were the instrument of his martyrdom. THE TEMPLE Edward Maufe was a traditionalist and he wished to maintain the features of gothic church architecture which arrived in Europe in the 13th century. The idea of the Temple in Jerusalem was crucial to church building at this time. The Solomon‟s Temple (The first Temple to be built) built in Jerusalem was seen as place where the glory of God dwelt: When all the children of Israel saw the fire come down and the glory of the LORD upon the temple, they bowed down with their faces to the earth on the pavement, and worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD, saying, "For he is good, for his steadfast love endures for ever." 2 Chronicles 7:3 (RSV) The proportions of the building are of most importance. The inner sanctuary or Holy of Holies was a cube. The inner sanctuary was twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and twenty cubits high; and he overlaid it with pure gold. He also made an altar of cedar. 1 Kings 6:20 (RSV) Added to this inner sanctuary was „The Holy Place‟ which made the building is as wide as it is high and it is three times that length. These are Solomon's measurements for building the house of God: the length, in cubits of the old standard, was sixty cubits, and the breadth twenty cubits. 2 Chronicles 3:3 (RSV) In the case of St Thomas‟ the sanctuary (where the altar is) and the chancel (where the choir pews and organ are) are the same proportions as „the Inner Sanctuary‟ or „the Holy of Holies‟. Thus it is as high as it is wide as it is deep. In the „Inner Sanctuary of the Temple was the Ark (the large box containing the stone tablets on which were the words of the Ten Commandments) The details of this are found in Exodus chapter 25. The Inner Sanctuary also contained the jar of manna (the bread that rained on the Israelites when they were hungry in the desert. And Moses said to Aaron, "Take a jar, and put an omer of manna in it, and place it before the LORD, to be kept throughout your generations." As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron placed it before the testimony, to be kept. Ex 16:33-34 (RSV) The inner sanctuary is also described in the New Testament in Hebrews: Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly sanctuary. For a tent was prepared, the outer one, in which were the lamp stand and the table and the bread of the Presence; it is called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain stood a tent called the Holy of Holies, having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, which contained a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail. Hebrews 9:1-5 (RSV) The focus for the church is ‘the Altar’ where the bread of Holy Communion is broken: So they said to him, "Then what sign do you do, that we may see, and believe you? What work do you perform? Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'" Jesus then said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven, and gives life to the world." They said to him, "Lord, give us this bread always." Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst. John 6:30-35 (RSV) In the Temple, in Jerusalem, the Altar, where the animals were killed for the sacrifices, was outside the building. After the destruction of the Temple (in 70 AD) animals sacrifices ceased. The Christians brought the altar inside the sanctuary to emphasize the significance of Christ‟s sacrificial death on the cross. 1. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:2 (RSV) 2. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, then to wait until his enemies should be made a stool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying, "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds," then he adds, "I will remember their sins and their misdeeds no more." Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin. Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way which he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:12-22 (RSV) 3. For Christ also died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit; 1 Peter 3:18 (RSV) 4. For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (RSV) The nave (the main body of the church where the people sit) is twice as long as this, thus it is the same proportions as „The Holy Place‟ i.e. it is as high as it is wide and it is twice the length. This is where the priests of the Temple assembled and it reminds us that we are all called to be priests of the Lord: But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were no people but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy but now you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10 (RSV) THE SHIP Wherever you look in the building the metaphor of „the ship‟ springs to mind. The ancient (pre-history) story of Noah‟s Ark is found in Genesis chapters 5 to 9. For the Israelites and then the Christians „the Ark‟ is a sign of God saving his people: For Christ also died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit; in which he went and preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. 1 Peter 3:18-20 (RSV) There are also many stories associated with Jesus that include boats: 1. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zeb'edee and John his brother, in the boat with Zeb'edee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. 2. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him. Matt 4:21-22 (RSV) 3. And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, "Save, Lord; we are perishing." And he said to them, "Why are you afraid, O men of little faith?" Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, "What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?" Matt 8:23-27 (RSV) 4. That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat there; and the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: "A sower went out to sow… Matt 13:1-3 (RSV) 5. Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any fish?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, for the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and sprang into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and although there were so many, the net was not torn. John 21:5-11 (RSV) The Greek work for temple is „naos‟ which sounds very much like the Latin ‘navis’ a ship and therefore helps with the origin of the word „nave‟. The early Church was fond of the ship as a metaphor for the church. The ship had the sense of mission. The ship was the symbol adopted for Apostle Jude (otherwise known as Judas not Iscariot or Thaddaeus) and denoted his missionary journeys across the sea. The church built at Ephesus which was rebuilt in the 4th century and the site the site of the third Ecumenical Council (431 AD) had the shape of a ship, with the Bishop‟s chair (as the Captain) in the centre. Edward Maufe used St Thomas‟ to emphasize this metaphor of the ship, and the shape of „the ship‟ can be found not only in the nave and the chancel, but also in the side aisles, also in the doors, the windows and even in the plan of the church. The walls of the sanctuary get closer to each other as you move towards the east. The pulpit and the lectern at the entrance to the Chancel have something of the feeling of „the captain‟s bridge‟. The walls of the sanctuary, of the „Morning Chapel‟ have a definite slope towards each other, like the bow of a boat. The walls of the Vestry on the opposite (south) side of the building also slope inwards giving symmetry to the whole of the East End, as the bow of a boat. FROM BOATS TO BAPTISM The kicking plates on the main outside double doors of the church suggest the idea of waves. Similar designs are continued in the font at this West end of the church. This was carved by Vernon Hill in Weldon stone. It continues the water theme depicts a fish (a symbol for the Christian church that predates the cross), and anchor and the which are all signs for Christ. Tertullian (c160 – c220) described those newly baptized as „little fishes‟ and there are similar references in other old Christian documents. The Greek letters for the word for fish - also form an acrostic - JIhshous Cristos, Qeou Uios Swthr. (Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour): The font was often placed at the West end of the church because it was the entrance and signified Baptism as the entrance into the body of Christ. The stained glass behind the font, depicting 'Christ and the children' , is by Moira Forsyth. The war memorial at the West End came from the 'tin church' which used to stand where the church hall is now. For Christ also died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit; in which he went and preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers subject to him. 1 Peter 3:18-22 (RSV) As the baptism liturgy reminds us „water‟ is a powerful Christian sign: We thank you, almighty God, for the gift of water to sustain, refresh and cleanse all life.Over water the Holy Spirit moved in the beginning of creation. Through water you led the children of Israel from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land. In water your Son Jesus received the baptism of John and was anointed by the Holy Spirit as the Messiah, the Christ, to lead us from the death of sin to newness of life. Common Worship (2000) Baptism, - „Prayer over the Water‟ ‘ORIENTATING’ - FACING EAST It would have been much more convenient to have had the main door of the church opening directly on to the main road. However, Edward Maufe went to some considerable lengths to orientate the church so that it was facing East (It is, in fact, slightly off the axis). This does mean that instead of having the entrance to the church directly from the main road, the people are required to walk at least half the length of the building to gain access. However, „orientating‟ (i.e. making it face east) the church building is of great significance; Traditionally God would come from the East Though he may flourish as the reed plant, the east wind, the wind of the LORD, shall come, rising from the wilderness; Hosea 13:15 (RSV) Afterward he brought me to the gate, the gate facing east. And behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the east; and the sound of his coming was like the sound of many waters; and the earth shone with his glory. Ezekiel 43:1-2 (RSV) Tradition also held, that the Messiah, when he came, would enter Jerusalem through „The Golden Gate‟ that is the Eastern Gate of Jerusalem. This is the gate, which is traditionally held, that Jesus entered on Palm Sunday and the gate that he will use for „the Second Coming‟. Islam holds that Mohammad (Peace be on him) is the last of the prophets and therefore they have sealed up the Golden Gate to prevent any possibility that the Messiah shall return that way. It was also a tradition of the Jews, to face Jerusalem when they prayed. This meant for those in Europe that they would face East. When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem; and he got down upon his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously. Daniel 6:10 (RSV) There was a time when at St Thomas‟ the altar was pulled out so that the priest celebrating the sacraments would stand behind the altar facing West towards the people. However, it was decided to return to the way the church was designed and the altar was returned to its original place and the priests now celebrate facing east. A simple but important point: „The turning of the priest to the people has turned the community into a self-enclosed circle. In its outward form, it no longer opens out on what lies ahead and above, but is closed in on itself. The common turning toward the east was not a „celebration toward the wall‟ it did not mean that the priest „had his back to the people‟ the priest himself was not regarded as so important. For just as the congregation in the synagogue looked together toward Jerusalem, so in the Christian liturgy the congregation looked together „toward the Lord‟.‟ [„The Spirit of the Liturgy‟ (pub Ignatius Press 2000) by as Joseph Ratzinger page 8.] MORNING STAR An important motif for Edward Maufe is that of „The Morning Star‟ It refers to the story of the birth of Jesus as told in Matthew‟s gospel “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:2 (RSV) When they had heard the king they went their way; and lo, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came to rest over the place where the child was. Matthew 2:9 (RSV) This is seen in the Morning Chapel ceiling which was painted by Kathleen Roberts, who was an artist working for Heals Department Store at the time. (This was where Prudence Maufe was a director) For when he received honor and glory from God the Father and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased," we heard this voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have the prophetic word made more sure. You will do well to pay attention to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 2 Peter 1:17-19 (RSV) "I Jesus have sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright morning star." The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come." And let him who hears say, "Come." And let him who is thirsty come, let him who desires take the water of life without price. Revelation 22:16-17 (RSV) The yellow rays in the circular window in the East end of the church, above the altar catch the morning sun and reminds you of Christ the Morning Star. This is made even more significant by the fact that tracery of the window is formed by the cross of the Calvary carved by Eric Gill. This Calvary showing Christ in the King, with the Blessed Virgin Mary and St John and the Latin inscription „Ave Rex‟ („Hail the King‟) certainly proclaims the crucified and risen Lord the outside world. It also provides for the congregation inside the church with a reminder that at the Holy Communion that they are proclaiming „the Lord's death until he comes.‟ For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (RSV) For Freemasons the East window will remind them of the Blazing Star which is a symbol they use for „the omnipresence of the Almighty. Five pointed stars are found on the ceiling of the Morning Chapel and also carved in the window of the sanctuary, (There is a similar window in the Vestry). Five pointed „pentagrams‟ are also marked out high on the leaded light windows of the West End. It is unfortunate that Pentagrams have become a controversial sign and are used by those interested in the magical arts and occult. The Pythagoreans saw the sign as a symbol of health. The first century BC, Roman architect Marcus Vitruvius Pollo superimposed the shape of „a man‟ on the figure to demonstrate symmetry and this was taken up in medieval times by people such as Michelangelo. The Christians have used the Pentagram as the emblem of the Epiphany Star; as a token of the five wounds that Jesus received on the cross and it is also widely used as the shape of the star associated with the Blessed Virgin Mary: And a great portent appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars; she was with child and she cried out in her pangs of birth, in anguish for delivery. Revelation 12:1-2 (RSV) THE BODY The human body has always been of great significance for the Christian Church.: 1. For as in one body we have many members, and all the members do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Romans 12:4-5 (RSV) 2. And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ; Ephesians 4:11-13 (RSV) The body was also very important is church architecture. A body is superimposed upon the plan of the church, this emphasizes that the Church is „The Body of Christ‟ and that it is not just a building but the people that make up the Church. When this is done, the chancel becomes the neck or throat of the body – the place where the singing comes from and the sanctuary represents the head. Edward Maufe has included an Ambulatory at the back of the Altar. This can be reached through the Vestry and goes through to the Chapel and it has been used for processions. Often in Cathedrals there is an ambulatory behind the altar and this has meant that processions could encircle the church, on the inside of the building. Many orders make a point of processing completely around the church to emphasize the completeness and inclusive nature of the body of Christ. Significantly, the Ambulatory around the back of the Altar implies that you are „Walking through the mind of Christ‟ One to six the ark – a coffin THREE Most of Byzantine architecture was based upon squares and circles. The Muslims followed in this tradition. The Cathedral builders of the 12th century followed this pattern, but in the 13th century they established the principles of spreading the load of the roof across the pillars and creating a pointed vault. This allowed them to build higher without the need for another storey. This in turn created triangles in the ceiling. Christians were keen to stress the importance of the number 3. This was traditionally the number for God in the Old Testament and for the Christians it was the number for the Trinity of God: God the Father, God the son and God the Holy Spirit. It was also the number for „the Third Day‟ an important day throughout the bible but particularly for the resurrection. Thus imposing triangles on the plan of the building became a fascination or architects and is referred to a „Triangulation‟. You will notice that the pillars of the nave slant on the East and West faces. This can be easily seen when you look at the lines on the floor by the pillars in the side aisles. In fact if you continue those lines they will not only meet the lines from the opposite pillars in the centre of the nave, but also if the lines are extended outside they meet at a similar distance on the exterior. The chevron is also accepted as signifying the Trinity (having three points) and is commonly found in Christian decoration. It is also recognized as a stylized lily as a sign of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The chevron is also the sign of the builder‟s square which is the sign of St Thomas. Thus you will find chevrons all over the church. In the windows, on the floor, on the light fittings (Note the blue and silver braiding slants inwards to suggest a chevron) on the riddle posts of the morning chapel SEVEN Seven is seen as the number of completeness - The Sabbath. And on the seventh day God finished his work which he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all his work which he had done in creation. Gen 2:2-3 (RSV) Three represents God, Four: the earth. Thus 7 represents God and the earth complete. Edward Maufe has therefore created the traditional seven steps from the chancel up to the altar. TWELVE Twelve represents the whole of the people. It is a combination of multiplying 4 and 3 In the Christian tradition there are significant 12s Twelve tribes of Israel, 12 Lesser prophets in the Old Testament, 12 Apostles: The nave has six pillars on each side of the church thus making the complete 12. The nave light fittings designed by Edward Maufe and painted by the artists from Heals are decorated with the signs of the Apostles. It is unfortunate that, because of the wish to use alternate blue and red fields for the emblems some of the martyrs (who normally have red backgrounds or fields) have been given blue. Also John is given the emblem of an eagle which is usually the sign of him as one of the four evangelists. As one of the Apostles he is usually given the emblem of a cup with a snake, on a blue background.