The altar itself, which is of carved English oak, and made by Messrs.
Dart & Francis of Crediton to Mr. Caröe’s design has a front divided by
carved work into three recessed compartments, into which will fit frontal
panels of plain oak, or of beautifully embroidered work, as occasion
demands. There are four separate sets of these embroidered panels
(white, red, green and purple) the material of which is in all cases a
rich brocade, upon which very beautiful designs specially made by Mr.
Caröe, have been embroidered by Miss Hilda C. Morris (with the assistance
of Miss Parson and Miss Butler) at her studio, 10, Victoria Grove, S.W.
It would take too long to describe the designs in detail, as, though
small, they are very full of thought and work, and have taken a long time
to carry out, but to those who are interested in church embroidery they
will doubtless prove of very special interest.
It may be of interest to mention here the eucharistic vessels and the
candlesticks and flower vases, all of which are of silver, and have been
made from Mr. Caröe’s designs by Miss Woodward at her studio, 5 and 7,
Johnson Street, Notting-hill Gate. The chalice, which is of the late
Gothic type, is about 7 inches high, having a circular bowl, round the
rim of which are engraved in appropriate lettering the words: “Calicem
Salutaris accipiam et nomen Domini invocabo.” The stem and foot are
hexagonal, and with the knop are richly decorated with Gothic ornament.
The paten fits on to the top of the chalice, forming a cover thereto.
Round its edge runs the inscription, “Hoc est corpus meum quod pro vobis
datur,” whilst across its entire surface is embossed a cross, in the
centre of which is the sacred monogram in low relief, as are also the
squares of Gothic leaf ornament at the end of the arms.
The flower vases are some 6 inches high, oval in section with slight
angular ribs, and narrowed below the neck and above the foot. Each has a
marguerite engraved upon it, emblem of the donor’s name, and an
ornamental initial letter M.
The candlesticks are oblong in section, with one broad side forming the
front, the shafts being decorated with emblematic marguerites and tracery
work upon a background of blue enamel. An Ornamental initial letter M
and the date are engraved upon the fronts of the feet, which, like the
bowls, are of simple form in hammered silver, the decoration being
confined to the shafts.