Saint John's Cathedral

The Nave is that part of the Church that is designed to accommodate the congregation in pews or in chairs.  It is that large expanse of space forward of the Narthex and ends at the Chancel steps.

It is there also that the pulpit is to be found, as well as the organs and other church furniture.  In most protestant churches, the pulpit is generally found on the left side of the nave looking towards the Sanctuary, also known as the Gospel side.  The Lectern is usually on the right or Epistle side. (Photo at right shows the north side of the Nave and gallery, with Pulpit and electronic organ console).

Lectern

The lovely brass Lectern was dedicated on the 4th September 1898 as a Memorial of the late Bishop Charles James Branch, who came to Antigua in 1879 as Rector of St. John's and as Coadjutor Bishop "cum jure successionis" from 1882 to 1895 and Bishop in 1896.  The lectern is in the form of a brass Eagle with wings spread, perched on a brass orb at the top of a brass stand.  The outspread wings support the Lectionary from which the readings are made at each service.  The Lectern stands just before the Chancel steps on the south (right) side of the nave central aisle.

Pulpit

On the north (left) side of the nave central aisle, across from the Lectern and midway towards the transept aisle, the crossing, stands the Pulpit.  It is made of solid mahogany, beautifully carved to match the carvings on the organ and altar rails.  It is octagonal in shape and on each of its panels is a six-pointed star surmounted by a cross.  The cross is of course the most important of all Christian symbols, but the six-pointed star has a double symbolism - a symbol of Judaism and an emblem of God the Father.  It is a sign of the six-fold attributes of God: Wisdom, Power, Majesty, Love, Mercy and Justice, and it is also a reminder of the six days of creation.

Candelabrum

The Candelabrum is suspended from the roof of the Nave at the aisle crossings.

The Reverend Philip Darby, some time Curate of St. John's, bequeathed in his will dated 2nd May 1870, a sum of money to be used in purchasing a brass candelabrum for the Parish Church of St. John's.  Owing to the fear of fire, Evening Services were not held in the Cathedral until 1886.  The Candelabrum, however, was placed in the centre aisle of the old Parish Church.  Mr. William Forrest, a member of the Vestry, at his own expense had it converted for use with lamps instead of candles.  It has since been adapted for use with electric lights.

The Candelabrum is said to be a very fine example of brass work, made in sections and fitted together.  There is a duplicate of it at Lydd, Kent, U.K.