We now approach the sanctuary which we shall explore. On the near side of the altar rail are the lectern at right, and the pulpit at left. There are many other items, but our attention is drawn to the central nave altar and high altar, with the figure of Christ on the cross on the wall behind. INDEX
42. CRUCIFIX
The pulpit is wooden and of simple construction with each panel containing two Gothic lancet figures, picking up the Gothic construction of the Church. On the wall behind is a striking crucifix.
43. ORGAN CONSOLE
Just beyond the pulpit is the organ console with its two manuals. From the OHTA Gazetteer we have the following information about the organ: Built in 1876 by an unknown English builder; rebuilt in 1905 by J.E. Dodd; rebuilt in 1946 & enlarged in 1973 by J.E. Dodd & Sons Gunstar Organ Works. The organ comprises 2 manuals, 17 single pole single throw push-button switches, 9 couplers, electro-pneumatic action. Great: 8.8.8.8.4.4.2-2/3.2. Swell: 16.8.8.8.4.4.8. Pedals: 16.16.
44. LAST SUPPER
There are many paintings of The Last Supper – a late 15th-century mural painting by Leonardo da Vinci housed by the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. It is one of the world's most recognizable paintings. This framed print is on the North wall of the sanctuary.
45. RETABLE AND DECORATED CROSS
Also against the North wall of the sanctuary is a small retable, useful for placing items during the administration of the Eucharist. On the table sits a small box with a hinged lid, and a wooden platten. On the wall above is the second of the two ‘Life of Jesus’ wall crosses.
46. MOTHERS UNION BANNER
Towards the Northeast corner of the sanctuary we come to three adjoining wooden seats (sedilia) with a long prayer desk, and a Mothers’ Union banner. The banner features a depiction of the Madonna and Child – St Mary and the Child Jesus. The worldwide Mothers’ Union of the Anglican Church has links to 83 countries, and over four million members who share one heartfelt vision – to bring about a world where God’s love is shown through prayer and loving, respectful and flourishing relationships.
47. ALTARS AND CROSS
The focus of the sanctuary is on the nave altar and high altar, and more particularly the figure of Christ on the Cross against the East wall. It is from the nave altar that the Eucharist is administered.
48. NAVE ALTAR
When this photograph of the nave altar appeared, there was some initial consternation at the untidy state of the altar cloths. Perhaps there is source material here for sermons on ‘The Unexpected Guest’ or ‘The Early Arrival of the Bridegroom’! Shortly we shall return to find the altar in rather more tidy dress ...
49. CROSS AND AUMBRY
This is an unusual crucifix showing an obviously risen, clothed and crowned figure of Christ nailed to the Cross. At the foot of the cross is an aumbry in which the blessed Elements of the Eucharist are stored. These are then used, for example, for home communions during the week.
50. HIGH ALTAR
It is unusual to find a high altar and a nave altar in a church of this size. In former times the high altar was the place from where the Eucharist was administered, with the priest having his back to the congregation. In the 1960s, a meeting of Vatican II (1962–65) declared that the altar should be close to the congregation and that the priest should face the congregation. Thus the nave altar was introduced, and the high altar is now only used on special occasions.
51. HARPSICHORD AND BANNER
There are two items of interest in the Southeastern corner of the sanctuary: a harpsichord and a banner. A harpsichord is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. When the player presses one or more keys, a mechanism that plucks one or more strings with a small quill is triggered. This harpsichord was gifted to the Church, but I suspect it is now more of a decoration than an instrument of worship. The banner is for St Margaret of Scotland.
52. SANCTUARY SOUTH WINDOW AND CHAIR
Near the harpsichord is a comfortable chair, a niche in the wall, and above, a stained glass window. The ornate window shows the figure of Christ with two hands upraised in blessing. It was erected by the parishioners in memory of John Bristow Hughes who built this Church to the glory of God.
53. SANCTUARY PRAYER DESK
This Church is especially memorable for the amount of handcraft that has been specially created and is exhibited – as here, this lovely tapestry inset.
54. ORGAN PIPES
We have already seen the organ console (#43), and here we find the organ pipes, set in alongside the St Edward’s Chapel. To the right is the WWII Honours Roll which we observed earlier, so now we have completed our exploration of the sanctuary.
55. WESTERN VESTRY
We come to the vestries at the North side of the sanctuary. This is the Western vestry – a working behind-the-scenes part of the Church, and not really for public display! The small Western lancet was given in memory of Louisa Kate Taplin. It is mostly of plain lattice glass, but with an ‘ihs’ emblem. These are the first three letters of the name ‘Jesus’ in Latinised Greek.
56. LAST SUPPER AND EARLY BANNER
Also against the West wall of this vestry are these two items. To the left is a carving of ‘The Last Supper’ presented by Hilary and John Botten and family. And tucked away, I found this very old historic banner relating to St Margaret.
57. VESTRY PRAYERS
Hanging on the North wall of the Western vestry are these priest’s prayers: rather touching prayers to be said by the priest while vesting for the altar. Perhaps there should be similar prayers for members of the congregation ...
58. CRUCIFIX AND CLOCK
As we leave the West vestry we pass this crucifix with the modern clock below. I find the combination evocative: the eternal significance of the crucifixion, finding the best use for our time, the fulness of time, the urgency of sharing the gospel, ...
59. EAST VESTRY
There is another framed print in the East vestry. It is a print of a small section of ‘The Sistine Madonna’, an oil painting by the Italian artist Raphael Sanzio. The altarpiece was commissioned in 1512 by Pope Julius II for the church of San Sisto, Piacenza. The canvas was one of the last Madonnas painted by the artist. Giorgio Vasari called it ‘a truly rare and extraordinary work’. It is a delightful picture of the young Mary. The print was donated in Easter 1917 by the children of the kindergarten.
60. ABORIGINAL CROSS
This cross of Aboriginal design on the altar is a reminder of the connection St Margaret’s has at present with Aboriginal people. Currently serving at this Church is Bishop Chris McLeod, who is of Gurindji descent and has been involved in ministry among and beside Aboriginal people in Anglican orders for more than 20 years. In his role as Assistant Bishop with special responsibility for Aboriginal people, Bishop Chris is responsible for developing and overseeing ministry among Aboriginal people.