St Molua's Church - Guided Tour 02

St Molua's - A Guided Tour part 2

Behind the Holy Table is the most striking feature of the interior of St Molua’s, a mural on the (ecclesiastical) east wall, the work of local artist Desmond Kinney. Entitled “Christ in Majesty” the mural is painted on a concave bay 37 feet high and 35 feet wide. Christ is seen ascended and seated on his throne. In his hand the Orb of Majesty and above Him the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove. The light of God pours down from the throne upon the Holy Table and the communicants. The central figure is surrounded by a choir of angels, some playing medieval musical instruments. The rich colours of the mural contrast strongly with the rustic brick of the interior walls.

Narrow windows on both sides of the Nave, set at an angle and reaching nearly the full height of the building, focus incoming daylight on the Holy Table and the mural. The effect of this is enhanced by the fact that over half of these windows are in stained glass.

The Pulpit and the Lectern

In keeping with other furnishings, the Pulpit and Lectern are in light oak and of plain design. A carved panel on the front of the Pulpit uses the Lion, Oxen, Man and Eagle to symbolise the four accounts of the Gospel. On the Lectern is seen the Word of God in the form of an Eagle - in one talon, the Torch of Truth and in the other, Satan expiring in the form of a snake. Above him is the Irish symbol of Eternity.

The Lectern

The Nave and Chancel floors incorporate Irish designs as does the font and its cover which also carries a Cross supported by the “Orb of the World”.

The Chapel

To the south of the Chancel is the Chapel. This is not a side chapel however for, although it can be entered through a side door from the nave, it is walled off from the Chancel and has its own main doors to the outside world which are similar in style to those at the west end of the church.

The Chapel is much more simple in design and is used as a place for quiet private contemplation and for the smaller mid-week services. Like the church, the furnishings are in light oak, the walls are plain except for four appliqué hangings on the themes of Creation, Pentecost, The Tree of Life, and Christ in Word and Sacrament.