NEW ALTAR

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXI, Issue 2781, 28 November 1931, Page 5

NEW ALTAR

FOR PARISH CHURCH.

A FINE ADDITION.

A feature of the jubilee celebrations of the consecration of S. Andrew’s Parish Church next week will be the consecration of the line new altar, the construction of which has just been completed. The altar, which is the handsome birthday gift of communicants in all parts of the Parish to the Mothoi Church, is to be erected in place of the existing altar in the sanctuary. It will be surmounted by the existing carved Beredos, which was erected to commemorate the termination of the South African war. The Beredos itself, is to be lowered in height so as to reveal the wording and other ornamentation in the stained-glass window immediately behind it. In order to further improve the beauty of the sanctuary special concealed floodlights are to be installed, thus concentrating all the light upon the altar and its Beredos.

The new altar is of Gothic design and stands on a heavy base. It is 10ft Gin long and 3ft 3in high. It embodies two clusters of five columns at each end. The columns are of carved Gothic design and there is also one column between each of tho five carved panels, also of Gothic shape. Associated with the five panels are carved spandreds, the columns supporting a heavy rail on top. Under the top or table is a heavy cornice with carved dog-tooth moulds. The top is designed with five consecration representing the five wounds of the Lord. The whole arrangement is most imposing and impressive in style, the construction material being specially selected kauri, with the columns in puriri.

The design of the altar has been -copied with some slight emendations from the pulpit top and it is a splendid example of Gothic woodwork. The carving is an outstanding feature, the design being the work of the late Mr J. Edwards, who was at the time the pulpit was erected, a bookseller in Cambridge, but who afterwards became one of the foremost wood-carvers in New Zealand. The carved work of the new altar has been done by Mr Len. Hodgkinson, of Hamilton, who was personally known to Mr Edwards, and a great admirer of his work. The construction work has been faithfully carried out by the joinery department of the local firm of Messrs Speight, Pearce, Nicoll, Davys, Ltd.-, under the supervision of Mr E. Davys, and Mr W. Meanie, foreman of the department. With the placing of the new altar in its proper place the Mother Church of the Parish will have an addition that will give a much more impressive atmosphere to the services and work that goes on within its precincts. The communicants, parishioners, and all associated are to be congratulated on the provision of such a splendid asset for the church.