Documented by Henry Krooss - Originally published in the December 2003 Link

(Soon after the passing of Henry Krooss in October, St. JME received a treasure trove of memorabilia that Henry had preserved. Included in that packet was a fascinating 1929 document detailing the symbols that adorn our church ceiling. It seemed like a wonderful bit of history and lore to pass along. As we were almost going to "press" with this edition, I decided to double-check the information below. All the information was correct, except that the symbols were out of order. It is most likely that following the fire in 1955, the ceiling was repainted, but in a different order from that recorded in 1929. - Pr. Parsons)

The coves or curved sides between the walls and the ceiling carry scroll work of grape leaves and grapes that is symbolic of the union between Jesus Christ and the true believer, as expressed in the words of the Saviour: I am the vine, Ye are the branches. The twelve medallions in these coves, six on either side, each contain a symbol that suggests one of the twelve apostles. Beginning on the right hand of the altar, continuing to the end of that wall we have:

1. St. John - the eagle. It represents the flight of his keen mind and insight into the mystery of faith. The eagle is shown rising out of a cauldron of boiling oil, recalling an attempt made on John's life by the tyrant emperor Domitian from which he was miraculously delivered.

2. St. Andrew - A cross saltire. St. Andrew is believed to have died while preaching the gospel in Greece on a cross of this shape.

3. St. Batholomew, also called Nathaniel - A branch of the fig tree.It was while he sat meditating under a fig tree that Jesus called this man. - John 1:48

4. St. James the lesser - A Fuller's bat. Indicating the manner in which he met his death.

5. St. Jude - A slender, inverted cross, a club and a lance. He was also clubbed to death and these articles suggest his violent martyrdom.

6. St. Paul - The open bible bearing the words: spiritus cladius /spiritual gladiator and behind the bible the sword of spirit, cross tilted.

On the left hand side of the Altar, beginning above the pulpit:

7. St. Simon - A book upon which lies a fish. He accompanied St. Jude on his missionary and journeys and became a great fisher of men through the gospel.

8. St. Matthew - Three purses recalling the fact that he was publican or tax gatherer when our Lord called him to follow.

9. St. Thomas - A leather girdle and three stones. St. Thomas is believed to have preached the gospel in India where he was stoned to death.

10. St. Philip - A Tall slender cross and two loaves of bread recalling his remark when our lord fed the multitude in the desert. John 6:7

11. St. James the greater - Three scalloped shells, two above and one below. The shell is the symbol pilgrimage as the apostle went about preaching.

12. St. Peter - designated by an inverted cross. St. Peter is said to have been crucified in Rome. He requested to be crucified head downward, as he did not consider himself worthy dying in the same position as the Master.