Church of The Ascension ALTARS and SANCTUARIES Through The Years
by Yee Teck Peng
3 June 2006

This is an article first posted by long time Ascensionaire, Mr Yee Teck Peng on 10 February 2005 and is republished here with his kind permission.

1946 to 1962   << The SANCTUARY of St. Andrew's School Chapel (1946-1952) and The Church of The Ascension (1953-1962) in St. Andrew's School, now the Diocesan Building.   In those days, there were 2 servers, later 1 and today, none. Most of the Servers were St. Andrew's House Boys. The Services were traditional and would be regarded as 'high church', rich in some of the Anglican traditions.   The 'LESSON' (as it was known then) or scripture Reading, was read by the celebrant from the right hand side of the altar .   After the lesson, a server will carry the Bible and its stand and place it on the left hand side of the Altar. The celebrant would then 'chant' the Gospel.   The CREED, whenever there was a pianist, was always sung.

I was brought up with the understanding that the 'SANCTUARY' in the church is, as defined by the Oxford Concise Dictionary:
   (a) the inmost recess or holiest part of a temple etc.
   (b) the part of the chancel containing the high altar.

However, the word 'SANCTUARY' is used these days to describe both the area of the altar and where the congregation sits. I feel that this will cause the loss of the true meaning and respect of what a church 'SANCTUARY' is.

 

OCTOBER 2002 CoA Sanctuary. Photo was taken at the Consecration of Rev. Gilbert Wong as Vicar of CoA.	JANUARY- DECEMBER  2003 '8.00am' service at St. John's Chapel Patmos Hall, St. Margaret's Secondary School. The 'Contemporary' service was held in the school hall. ..
26 DECEMBER 2004 Last 8.00am Sunday Service at St. Andrew's House Before and After Care Centre, St. Andrew's Junior School, Ah Hood Road. The 'Contemporary' Service was held in the school Concourse. ..	2 JANUARY 2005. 1st Sunday Service in LEE KUO CHUAN HALL, Church of The Ascension

6 FEBRUARY 2005. The SANCTUARY 1st Traditional 8.00 am SUNDAY SERVICE in the upgraded CoA. It would be great if there were 'communion rails' and kneelers for those who would want to kneel to receive their Communion. (Ed: The kneelers and rails were subsequently installed following the kind feedback of members like Mr Yee)

TRADITIONAL  vs  MODERN