Union Presbyterian Church

Symbolism of the Sanctuary

In 1968, during a period of renovation of the sanctuary, it was determined that the basic design of the sanctuary was excellent, with congregational involvement and visibility approaching that of “circle-in-the-round” form (a common design of contemporary churches). 

The Window - The symbolism used in the stained glass window is straightforward and simple. Christ is the cross at the center of the burst of light, and the disciples are represented by the twelve red circles, as the light of Christianity goes into all the world.  The Gospel of John put it in a sentence...  “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out.” (John 1:5)

In this quotation we see the vitality of our faith, the dynamic which thrusts us out into the world.  We are called to be disciples of Christ, to take the light of love to overcome the darkness of fear, the light of healing to conquer the darkness of hurt and sorrow, the light of truth to destroy the darkness of oppression and injustice.  This window tells us who we are – the followers of Christ, carrying out his mission and ministry in the world.

Room Shape – The room is octagonal because “eight” is the number standing for resurrection or the new creation.  In seven days God created the heavens and earth and rested… the eighth day would be the beginning of a new creation.  As we come to this eight-sided room, we are to remember that we come to celebrate the resurrection of Christ.  But even more than that, we come to celebrate the resurrection, the new life that God in Christ offers each of us.  We come here for renewal and re-creation, so that by God’s grace, He can make us new people.

 Central Arrangement – The Baptismal Font, the Communion Table, and the Pulpit are placed at the center of the front of the room to emphasize the centrality of both the sacraments and the proclamation of God’s Word.  Jesus Christ is the Word-become flesh, and he is the Word of God for us.  He is the Word proclaimed in preaching as well as the Word enacted in sacraments.  The central arrangement reminds us that there is but one Word, and that is the Christ who died for us and who gives us new life by his resurrection (for more, see Our History: Sanctuary).

 Pulpit – The open Bible on the pulpit reminds us all, including the preacher, that the sermon is not one person’s ideas, but the Word of God proclaimed faithfully from the Word revealed in the Scripture.  The cloth hanging on the pulpit reminds us of the season of the Church Year.  The red cloth with the descending dove symbolizes the Season of the Holy Spirit or Pentecost.  The purple cloth with the open Bible signifies penitence and suffering and is used during Advent and Lent.  The white cloth with the cross and the orb is used on the great festival occasions such as Christmas and Easter.  The cross bears the Greek motto “Jesus Christ Do Thou Conquer”.  The green hanging with the burning bush is used at other times of the year.  It is suggestive of God, of the divine fire, which keeps life aglow with the light of truth.

 Communion Table – All Christians worship finds its origin in the Upper Room where Christ, and his disciples shared the Last Supper.  That event became the great central act of worship, and each Lord’s Day, Christians would gather around the Lord’s Table to re-enact the life, death, and resurrection of Christ as proclaimed in that sacrament.

 In our sanctuary, we too have a sense of gathering around the Lord’s Table.  The arrangement of the pews contributes to this and the placement of the choir, who are part of the congregation, completes the circle around the table.  Even when we do not explicitly celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, we have the Table set to remind us that it is always at least implicit in our worship.

 Baptismal Font – Like the sanctuary itself and for the same reasons, the Baptismal Font is eight-sided.  For in Baptism we participate in the death and resurrection of Christ as we enter the life of the Church.

 The Pews – In its history, the Church has often been symbolized as a ship.  The pews are the rower’s benches, the source of physical power to make the church go.  This should be a reminder to us each week that the people are responsible for the mission of the church.

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