Calvary UMC Chancel Symbols

The Memorial Chancel was added to our historic church in 1972. Under the leadership of Dr. Orman Roberts, the pastor at the time, this chancel improvement added new wood work, paneling and these Christian symbols that now flank each side of the Altar. The images and text below comes from a copy of the bulletin handed out when the new Chancel was dedicated.

The Eternal Christ

"A" (Alpha: beginning) and "O" (Omega: end); the first and last letters of the Greek Alphabet. "I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end." Rev. 21:6. "Jesus said unto them, before Abraham was, I am." John 8:58. The inclusion of a Latin Cross upon these two letters attribute the two letters to the person of Christ.

I H C

The Greek spelling of the name Jesus is IHCOUC. This ancient monogram is made by using the first three letters of this spelling. Greek shcolars tell us that "C" is the old form of the Greek capital letter for "S" (Sigma). Hence another redition is IHS. Often, in wood or stone carving, "S" is used because it is more decorative.

The Maltese Cross

Derives its name frome the Island of Malta, because it was the emblem of the knights of St. John, organized in the eleventh century to protect Christian pilgrims on their way to Palestine to visit the Holy Sepulchre. The eight outer points symbolize the eight Beatitudes. In this rendition the center is a triangle, symbolizing the Trinity, encompassed by a circle denoting the oneness of the Eternal God.

The Anchor of Hope

Hebrews 6:18, 19 ". . . we have a strong consolation who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and confident . . ." (Under early persecution the anchor was used as a disguised Cross.)

The Shield of Faith

Put on the whole armor of God! Ephesians 6:16 "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." St. Paul. The Cross on this shield is the "budded Cross" - - so named because of the three "buds" at each extremity, signify "Father, Son and Holy Spirit."

The Light

Beautifully symbolic of two central statements of Christ: John 8:12 "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." Matt. 5:14, 15 "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick . . . let your light so shine . . ."

Crown of Thorns

Matt, 27:29-31 "And when they had plaited a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! . . . And they spit upon him . . . and led him away to crucify him.

Descending Dove

Matt. 3:16, 17 - - "And Jesus . . . was baptized . . . and lo, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove . . . and a voice from heaven saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." This is on of the earliest forms used to represent the Holy Spirit.

The CHI RHO

The oldest monogram used with reference to Christ. The word "Christ", when spelled in ancient Greek capital letters took the form XPICTOC. The whole word is represented by the first two letters XP.

The Greek Cross

The Good News of Christ was carried to Greece (remember St. Paul on Mars Hill). This cross (with serifs) had its origin among the esthetically minded Greeks who had an eye for perfect symmetry in all artistic matters. Its arms are of equal length, which facilitates use of it for decorative purpose. Some attribute a missionary motive to this Cross: "to the four corners of the earth."

The Fish

"JESUS CHRIST. SON OF GOD, SAVIOR." This is one of the most complex Christian symbols. "ICHTHUS" in Greek means "FISH", formed by using the first letters of "JESUS CHRIST OF GOD SON SAVIOR." The fish symbol was used by persecuted Christians in Rome as a means of communication and identification.

Chalice and Wafer

Signifying the institution of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, the Eucharist, or Holy Communion. "Eat. . . Drink" - - In remembrance of the Supreme Act of God to reveal His Love to us - - to me - - and to all mankind. Matt 26:17,35.

Vine and Fruit Bearing

One of the most lovely and sacred Christian Symbols. John 15:5-8 "I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing . . . Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit: so shall ye be my disciples."

Messianic Rose

Often called the Christmas Rose. Isaiah 35:1 relates the joyful flourishing of Christ's kingdom - - "The desert shall rejoice and blossom as a rose." For centuries the symbol has honored Mary, the Virgin Mother of our Lord, and the arrival of the Messiah at Christmas.

Page updated 28-Dec-2010