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    • Kneeler Symbols
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The Kneelers at the Altar 
from left to right

The kneelers at the altar were hand stitched in 1987 by parishioners.  The initials of the person who stitched each symbol is at the end of the description.  If you know who these women are, please let us know.  Each depicts a saint or holy symbol, with a description that explains what they represent.  The symbols are taken from scripture and Christian tradition

The Alpha and the Omega

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The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, which signify that Jesus is the beginning and the end of all things. 
Stitched by: JJ + KO

The Holy Eucharist

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The Chalice holds the wine, which signifies the Blood of Christ. The wheat represents the bread which was broken symbolizing the Body of Christ.
Stitched by: JJ + KO

St. Peter

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The crossed keys recall Peter’s confession and our Lord’s gift to him of the keys of the kingdom.
Stitched by: Joy W. Dyer

St. Andrew 

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Tradition says that while Andrew was preaching in Greece he was put to death on a cross of this type (X). 
Stitched by: Joy W. Dyer

St. James, Greater 

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The scallop shell is the symbol of pilgrimage and stands for this apostle’s zeal and missionary spirit.
Stitched by: BJM

St. John

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It is said that John went to the angel and asked that he be given the scroll.  He was told that it would taste bitter but be sweet in his stomach; after he ate it it was sweet in his mouth, but turned his stomach bitter. John was then instructed to "prophesy again before many peoples, nations, languages, and kings."  Stitched by: BJM


St. Philip

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The cross and two loaves of bread symbolize Philip’s remark when Jesus fed the multitude.  
Stitched by: AL + ES

St. Bartholomew 

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This apostle is said to have been skinned alive.
Stitched by: AL + ES

St. Thomas

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The carpenter’s square and a spear is the symbol for Thomas, because this apostle is said to have built a church with his own hands in India. Later he was persecuted there and was killed with a spear by a pagan priest. 
Stitched by: RD + RL

St. Matthew

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The symbol of three moneybags refers to Matthew’s original calling as a tax collector.  
Stitched by: RD + RL

St. James (The Lesser)

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Represented by a saw since it is said his body was sawn asunder. 
Stitched by: NG + SMG

St. Matthias

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Chosen to take the place of Judas, he is symbolized by an open Bible and double—bladed battle-ax. He is said to have been beheaded after his missionary work.  
Stitched by: NG + SMG

St. Simon

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Symbolizes that through the power of the Gospel, Simon became a great fisher of men.
Stitched by: 
Catherine Woody + JF 

St. Jude

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This apostle traveled far on missionary journeys in company with Simon; therefore he is symbolized by the ship.  
Stitched by: 
Catherine Woody + JF

St. Paul

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Referred to as the "Apostle to the Gentiles", but not one of the twelve apostles. Symbolized by an open Bible with the words, "SPIRITUS GLADIUS" (sword of the spirit), and behind the Bible the sword of the Spirit itself. 
Stitched by: 

Chi-rho:  

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A monogram of the first two letters Chi (X) and Rho (P) of the Greek word for Christ.  
Stitched by: 

Ascension Episcopal Church
2525 Seagler Rd. Houston, TX 77042 
​phone: 713.781.1330 

office@ascensionepiscopalchurch.org
www.AscensionEpiscopalChurch.org
The Episcopal Church in West Houston Welcomes You!
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