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THE SANCTUARY

The Sanctuary (the area within the Altar rails) of Trinity Church is the crowning glory of the building. Below and on either side of the magnificent East Window is the reredos and panelling on the east wall, richly carved and gilded, that were also designed by Charles Earner Kempe and installed in 1902.

The reredos are of Gothic design and are richly carved. It is about twelve feet long by six feet high and is supported by a retable and predella that is two feet three inches in height. The reredos depicts the Crucifixion, the appearance of the risen Lord to Mary Magdalen, and the supper at Emmaus.

Between and adjoining each panel is a carved figure also gilded and painted, twenty-five inches in height, and standing on a pedestal with canopy work above it. A richly carved cornice representing the traditional "Vine" with fretted cresting, surmounts the whole array.

The central group, which shows the Crucifixion, is two feet eleven inches by four feet six inches, and shows our Lord on the Cross with His two chief witnesses. Saint Mary and Saint John, on either side of Him, two attending Angels above, and Saint Mary Magdalen kneeling at the foot of the Cross. In the background, one can see the walls and gates of a city.

The left panel, two feet nine inches by four feet, depicts the figure of the risen Lord, holding in His right hand the banner of Victory over Death. His left hand is raised toward Saint Mary Magdalen. Mary Magdalen is shown in an attitude of surprise with a scroll over her head inscribed "Rabonni", while "Maria" appears on a similar scroll near our Lord's figure. Carved flowers in the foreground and the trees with lych gate and fencing, suggest the scene takes place in a garden.

The right hand panel, two feet nine inches by four feet, represents our Lord and two disciples seated at a table. It illustrates the moment our Lord was known to the disciples in the Breaking of the Bread. The walls and towers of Emmaus are seen in the background.

The carved figures between and adjoining the panels are the figures of Saints. From left to right, the first is Saint Peter with keys and an open book, next is Saint Mark the evangelist with pen and book, followed by Saint Luke the evangelist writing in a book, and last, Saint Paul with his emblematic sword and a book.

In recent years, the carpet in the Chancel was replaced with the red carpet seen today. This carpet is purported to be a remnant left over when the Senate Chambers in Ottawa were carpeted and was donated to Trinity by parishioner. Senator Emerson.

The Altar, installed in 1906, was executed by well known Saint John furniture makers, J. and J.D. Howe. The Altar is of solid black oak, and is of Gothic style, in keeping with the reredos and panelling. The Altar front is divided into three panels separated by heavy plain columns. Depicting the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) in the central panel, those to either side represent wheat and grapes, bread and wine, the elements necessary for the Holy Communion. The wood tiling, on which the Altar stands was given in 1880 by Canon (later Archdeacon) Brigstocke, whose interests and abilities were largely responsible for the building.

Other pieces found in the Chancel, all memorial gifts, are of great artistic and historical interest. These include the sedilia (Clergy seats), Bishop's chair, Rood screen, Font, Lectern, Pulpit, windows, plaques, and brasses. The pavement candlesticks were executed by a local craftsman, Mr. Alban Emery.

The panelling on the east wall on either side of the reredos is of wainscot oak, decorated and gilded. It extends twelve feet high on either side. It consists of three tiers of panels. The upper tier has carved tracery work and an embattled covered cornice. Smaller panelling above this, about two feet high, with carved tracery heads, shows at intervals, ten carved angels holding shields.

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