The Chapel Carvings - North Wall

Ship - symbolizing the Church.  Clement of Alexandria said, "Let our Seals be a Ship, scudding before the wind."  Clement of Rome helped explain this by saying, "For the whole business of the Church is like unto a Ship, bearing through a violent storm; men who are of many places, and who desire to inhabit the city of the Good Kingdom."  It is interesting to note that the main part of the church is called "the nave" from the Latin word Navis meaning ship, thus "navy."

Butterfly - symbolizing resurrection.  This often-seen symbol is not scriptural, but expresses the Christian's belief in the resurrection.  The stages of development of a butterfly show a distinct parallel to the life of a Christian.  It goes from the crawling larva stage to the chrysalis, so dormant it appears lifeless; then it comes forth as a beautiful butterfly.  So the Christian first, as a mortal man, lives a lowly life, enters death, appearing to be the end, but is raised into eternal life through his faith in Christ.  This plaque also features alpha and omega, the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, symbolizing our eternal need of Christ.  Revelations 23:13 & 1:8, 21:6.

Lamb - from John 1:29 and 36, Revelations 5:1.  When John the Baptist saw Jesus, he said, "Behold, the Lamb of God."  This symbol in Latin is "Agnus Dei."  The banner held by the lamb symbolizes Christ's victory over death.

Ship with Chi Rho - symbolizing the Church, powered by Christ.  When the name CHRIST is written in Greek uncials, it appears as XPICTOC.  The first two letters (XP, or chi rho) are used as an abbreviation.  A Dutch carver combined them with the ship (discussed above) using the chi rho symbols as the sail, or motive force for the Church.  The original carving was presented to Dr. Douglas Wright by a personal friend who was a resident of Holland.  This carving was copied for our chapel with Dr. Wright's permission.