Church Interior
The British emigrants, among the early parishioners, contributed much to the decoration of the church interior. One of their most impressive contributions may still be seen today on the east wall of the sanctuary; a reredos painted in gold English script on dark blue canvas. The design of the “reredos” dates back to 1566 when Queen Elizabeth the First ordered the Ten Commandments to be shown on the east wall of the churches. During the reign of James I, the Creed and Lord’s Prayer were an added requirement. When the Anglican Church came to Canada, not everyone could do this unique work. Christ Church, Port Sydney, has a reredos identical to that of St. John’s. When Christ Church was built the Rev. C. R. Clerk was in charge, 1880-1883, and the hand-lettered paneling was done by this gifted priest. It has been suggested that because of the proximity of the two churches, the reredos at St. John’s may also have been painted by Rev. Clerk. The original oak pews were replaced in 1970. One of the originals, which were hand-planed, is on display in the upper hall.
The charm of St. John’s is in the beautiful memorial windows (rare in a small country church), bestowed in loving memory of families long associated with the church.
Over the altar are three exceptionally lovely windows: The central one depicts the “Ascension of Our Lord” in memory of Martin Donald MacLeod. On the left “Paul the Scribe” in memory of Giles and Anne Kerswell, and on the right “Peter and the Keys” is in memory of Frederick Paige.
On the north wall of the chancel, George and Mary Harper donated the window in memory of six of their children who died within one year 1872-3.
Stained glass windows on the north wall show a figure of St. Timothy –1 Timothy 1:18 “This charge I commit to you Timothy, my son, that.. you may wage the good warfare holding faith and a good conscience” is in memory of Douglas Schuyler Snively, killed in action May 25th 1944; and Ruth – Ruth 2:7 “Pray let me gleen and gather among the sheaves” is in memory of Ida May, wife of John Chatterly, June 25,1879-April 10,1943,donated by her husband and family in 1949; also Daniel –Daniel 9:4 “I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession” is in memory of the Alleyne Family.
The three windows on the south wall are in memory of the Legge Family. The Madonna and Child in memory of Matilda Legge, December 28,1846-November 25,1935; The Light of the World- Revelations 3:30 “Behold, I stand at the door and knock” in memory of James Legge, February 14, 1833- November 4, 1911; and Angel of Peace – Matthew 28:5 “ But the angel said to the women, Do not be afraid” in memory of Wilmot Howard Legge, May 18,1885 – December 16, 1934.
The Della Robia window, over the western entrance “Feed my Lambs” was donated by Daniel Kerswell.