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The altar is the focus that grabs your attention when you enter the
nave. Disregarding the magnetic compass, we refer to it as "Liturgical
East". Some have misunderstood our use of the crucifix, thinking that we
worship it as an idol. It is not worshipped, but revered as a reminder of
the greatest act of love ever seen. |
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The Dove Window above the altar symbolizes the Holy Spirit coming down
from Heaven to comfort us. It ties in with the ship theme by reminding
us of the dove that comforted Noah in the ark when he was looking for dry
land. |
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Pulling back from the altar, the nave is the seating area for the
congregation. The pews all have kneelers that pull down to allow worshippers
to kneel (if they are able) for certain parts of the mass. Worshipping is
the work of the church and it reminds some of the oarsmen who sat in rows
in the hull of a ship and rowed into battle. You can see the books in the
pew racks that help folks follow along, if they are unfamiliar with the
service. |
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Looking to your right as you enter the nave, you see the
Baptismal Font. The icons on the wall behind the font are typical of the
many icons throughout the church. The font itself is small and it is only
filled when needed for baptisms. |
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To your left from the font is our Shrine to the Blessed Mother, Mary.
This is a replica from the Shrine at Walsingham, England. Petitioners come
to the shrine to ask Mary to pray for their cause and they light candles to
accompany their requests. Again, the statue is not worshipped, it is a
reminder of Mary the Queen of Heaven and her Son, Jesus Christ. On the Feast
of Our Lady of Walsingham, the statue is carried in procession. |
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Continuing left from the Marian Shrine is the Fourteenth Station of the
Cross: Jesus is laid in the Tomb. The first station is located across the
aisle on the left or "Gospel"
side of the nave. It is called the Gospel side because, in the mass,
the Gospel Lesson is read from that side (actually, from the middle of the
aisle, but in some churches the priest delivers his sermon, after the Gospel
reading, on that side. The right side of the nave, near Station 14,
is called the Epistle side because the Epistle lesson is read from that
side.
Stations 1 - 7 run down the Gospel-side wall toward the Altar
and Stations 8 - 14 run back from the Altar on the Epistle-side wall. To see
the other Stations of the Cross, click here. |
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We hope that you will consult the Schedule of Services on our Home Page
and decide to join us in Christian Worship. The tour will now focus on the
outside of the Church so that you can find your way around. |
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The first thing you see of St. Francis is our sign near Walnut Hill
Lane. Like most of the rest of the Church, it was built by parishioners with
loving care. If you look carefully, you will see part of an American Flag
above the sign floating on the breeze. That flag and the Fire Station that
goes with it has moved across the street since this picture was taken. |
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Looking toward the Church, you see a Passion statue in the personal
style of a talented parishoner. The habit on the figure might remind you of
our patron, St. Francis of Assisi. |
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Another prominent feature on the Church grounds is our bell tower, which
is dedicated to the Glory of God in memory of the Rev. Homer Francis Rogers.
Fr. Rogers was an early Rector of the Parish, who was very influential in
setting the tone and style of worship that we still practice today. |
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The Church itself is an A-frame structure with a choir loft. It is
nestled between the Parish Hall and the Church School Building and it is
a challenge photographically to get a clear shot of it. |
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The Parish Hall is very near the Church on the Walnut Hill Lane side.
Parishioners devote their nurturing skills to the flowers and hedges that
surround it. A ramp entrance is provided on the parking lot (i.e.,
West) side. |
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The West side of the Church reminds one of Noah's Ark. |
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The Church maintains a library and reading area inside the Parish Hall
next to the back fireplace. |