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 SAINT THOMAS TOUR 4 - The High Altar and Great Reredos |
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The unadorned altar here is relatively plain; the elaborate reredos behind and above it makes it more prominent. Bertram Goodhue was resposible for the fibures and their placement, and Lee Lawrie designed them. They were executed in Dunville stone, which is midway in hardness between limestone and sandstone, by the Ardolino Brothers. |
| Just above the altar, St. Thomas kneels before Christ, his doubt gone; the other apostles are in panels on each side. Above, in lacy carving, are nine Old Testament prophets with their foretelling of the coming of the Messiah. The reigning Christ, the Virgin Mary and St. John, the beloved disciple, are high above the empty cross. | |
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| Other figures are early saints, martyrs, noted bishops, missionaries, one living person (Presiding Bishop Tuttle) and one American President (George Washington). The reredos is, in a way, a complete history of Christianity from promise to early 20th century America.
The High Altar is draped with hangings from the church collection. These are changed for feast days and the liturgical seasons of the year. |
Turn right and enter the Chapel of the Resurrection ....