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Eden London Price Memorial Chapel (1961-2010)
In order to accommodate a growing congregation, the chapel was restored in the summer of 2010 to its original purpose as a seating area for worship focused on the chancel.
The last Eucharist was celebrated in the chapel on June 20, 2010. A prayer of thanks was offered:
Creator of Life, watchful and caring, our source and our end, all that we are and all that we have have are yours. We give you thanks for this chapel. In this place we have gathered to hear your Word, to be nourished by the body and blood of your Son, to heal the sick, to wed those called by love and to bury the dead. In this space we have come to meet you, to be moved and transformed by your love. Thank you for this chapel. As we restore this space to its original purpose, may it become a resting place for the weary, a home for the newcomer and the old timer, a perch where your grace may reach the hungry and poor. Be present always to guide and to judge, to illumine and to bless. This we pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
William Arthur Price left a bequest upon his death in 1957 to the Church of the Redeemer for the establishment of a chapel in memory of his wife Eden who predeceased him in 1952. Working with the architects Mathers and Handelby, the rector and parish leaders of the day selected the east transept for the Eden London Price Memorial Chapel – a chapel that was to be simple with oak panels for the reredos and sides. Initially pews from the transept provided seating for the chapel but chairs soon replaced pews.
The design and arrangement of the symbols on the reredos (the wooden panel behind the altar) was planned by the Reverend Owen P. Prichard, Rector of the Church of the Redeemer (1954-1980) and painted by Sydney H. Watson, Principal of the Ontario College of Art. The symbols represented were based on the Service of Litany found in the Prayer Book.
By following the Great Litany found on page 138 of the Book of Alternative Services and the descriptions of the symbols below, you can see how the reredos illustrates this prayer.
Begin in the top left corner and leave the centre “Lamb” panel until the end.
We begin our Prayer of Approach to God:
Cross overlaid by the Triangle which is surrounded by Santcus, Sanctus, Sanctus (Latin - Holy, Holy, Holy). The equilateral Triangle represents the Trinity. God the Father ... God the Son ... God the Holy Spirit ... |
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We continue with Prayers Recalling Christ's Saving Work:
The central symbols of the Fleur de Lys – surrounded by the shell, crown of thorns, bursting pomegranate, the seven-fold flames – and the Scales recall for us the life of Christ and the Day of Judgment and the new life that is ours in him. The Fleur de Lys represents Christ’s incarnation or birth; the shell – baptism; the crown of thorns – his death upon the cross; the pomegranate – his resurrection and ascension; the flames – the Holy Spirit. By the mystery of your holy incarnation ... |
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We offer Prayers of Intercession for the World and Ourselves:
The Ship: an ancient symbol for the church – is supported and guided by the hand of God. May it please you to rule and govern your holy Church ... |
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For our Country
The Crown, Sword, and PAX represent those who govern. Strengthen your servant Elizabeth our Queen ... endue the leaders of this nation with wisdom and understanding. |
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For the Church
The Mitre (worn by Bishops), Chalice (the cup for wine), Paten (plate for bread) and Bible remind us to offer prayers for those in authority in the church. Enlighten all bishops, priests and deacons ... |
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The Orb and Cross surrounded by the dove, the Bible, the font, and the Star of David remind us that our story is one with deep roots, and through our baptism, the Word of God and the gift of the Holy Spirit, the body of Christ – the Church – will be built up. Bless all your servants ... |
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For all People
The Book, Spade, and Wheel represent learning, labour and industry. Enlighten with your Spirit all who teach and all who learn. |
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The Angels hovering in the starry sky over the land and sea represent God’s protection for all who travel by land, air or water. |
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The IHS (the first two and the last letters of the Greek word for Jesus) overlaid by the Pitcher and Cup recalls that we should never set aside the service of those in need and we do this in Christ’s name. ... Show your pity on all prisoners and captives ... and all who are desolate and oppressed. |
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The Heart (our lives) surrounded by the Greek words Pistis, Elpis, Apage (Faith, Hope, Love) and Seven Flames (the gifts of the Holy Spirit) leads us to pray for ourselves. Grant us true repentance, forgive our sins, and strengthen us by your Holy Spirit ... |
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We Conclude Our Prayers ...
The Lamb of God with the banner (centre panel) – Christ who died for our sins and triumphed over death that we might have eternal life. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: Grant us your Peace. |
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This reredos will be relocated within the church during future phases of the Making More Room Project.