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
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
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
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
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
The scallop shell is the symbol of pilgrimage and stands for this apostle’s zeal and missionary spirit.
Stitched by: BJM |
St. John
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
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St. Philip
The cross and two loaves of bread symbolize Philip’s remark when Jesus fed the multitude.
Stitched by: AL + ES |
St. Bartholomew
This apostle is said to have been skinned alive.
Stitched by: AL + ES |
St. Thomas
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
The symbol of three moneybags refers to Matthew’s original calling as a tax collector.
Stitched by: RD + RL |
St. James (The Lesser)
Represented by a saw since it is said his body was sawn asunder.
Stitched by: NG + SMG |
St. Matthias
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
Symbolizes that through the power of the Gospel, Simon became a great fisher of men.
Stitched by: Catherine Woody + JF |
St. Jude
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
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:
A monogram of the first two letters Chi (X) and Rho (P) of the Greek word for Christ.
Stitched by: |
