Christian liturgies, at the place of baptism. During the Easter Season it is
placed near the altar/table, and at funerals at the head of the bier. The
candlestick is about 50 inches (1250 mm) tall. The candle is a special one
intended to last a year. It is usually about 2 inches (50 mm) in diameter but
other dimensions are possible. Candlesticks often feature prickets rather than
sockets to secure the candles, which can then be of various sizes. See
Facility Plate 26, page 37.06-91.
g.
Fabrics. For many Christian liturgies a colored tablecloth is laid
on the altar/table, its color and detail varying with the seasons of the year.
These paraments take various forms; they may only partly cover the table, or
they may be "throws" which hang to the floor on all sides. They may carry
symbolic devices or they may be plain colors. Four colors are normally
supplied: white, green, red and purple. Blue is added in some traditions, and
black frequently. It is proper that the designer be involved in the design of
these fabrics or in selection of an artist for their design.
An antependium, which is a fabric that hangs in front of the pulpit, is
also often used in a design and color to match the other fabrics. It is
commonly the width of the bookrest; its hanging length is an aesthetic
judgment.
Designers may choose to use banners or to use fabrics in other ways. A
rug or fabric runner may be laid on the platform to muffle the footsteps of
the leaders of worship. Fabrics may be used for acoustical, symbolic, or
aesthetic goals. Many fabrics used in liturgies, such as fair linens and
towels, will not concern the designer.
Traditional fabric dossal curtain and reredos shall not be used. These
features were adjuncts to the altar when its location was the remotest point
in a chancel or choir. Altar/tables now stand free in space. The action of the
liturgy is the proper focus of a place of worship; any architectural feature
that presumes to be the focus of the room by its visual dominance and thus
draws attention away from the liturgical action, is improper.
h.
Special Works of Art. Although sectarian symbols are not to be
permanently set in spaces of flexible use, works of art of various kinds may
be introduced so long as they are of worthy quality and not beyond the
practice in the civilian sector. This applies not only to those areas of the
facility associated with worship but also to spaces in which religious
education is conducted.
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