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History of the Tiles

How many of you have for years walked up the steps to the chancel and crossed its floor to the communion rail without ever noticing that there are handsome tiles inset in the floor detailing signs and symbols of the Christian Church?  Look carefully some day and you will find the seven virtues represented.  The first three are the Theological virtues of Faith (Fides) symbolized by the cross, Hope (Spes) by the anchor, and love by a heart and/or flames.  Then there are the four cardinal virtues of Temperance (Temperantia) symbolized by a yoke, Prudence (Prudentia) a serpent, Courage (Fortitudo) by a sword, club or shield, and Justice (Justitia) by a pair of scales.  Scattered at random are tiles of a peacock, the symbol of eternal life, NIKA being the Greek for Victory or Conqueror referring to Christ who by rising from the dead after his crucifixion, conquered death.  The ancient symbols IC and XC, the former being the first and last letters of the Greek word for Jesus, and the latter the first and last letters of the Greek word for Christos or Christ.

Here and there, carved in the woodwork or shown in the stained glass or in the tiles, you will find symbols such as the trefoil symbolizing the Trinity, the Cinquefoil (5 leaf) whose leaves are said to represent the five wounds Christ suffered on the cross, and the Septfoil (7 leaf) representing the seven virtues.  You will also find the initials INRI, the first letters of the Latin phrase "Jesus King of the Jews".  IHS and IHC are also to be found, being the initials of Latin words for "Jesus" and "Christ".

The clerestory windows have a tale to tell though one whose symbolism is not always clear.    Beginning on the west side at the front, the first panel above shows a

 1  Stylized star which may be intended as an ancient symbol of Judaism
     though it certainly is not made in the traditional design of two interlocking
     triangles.

 2   The inverted cross because Peter asked to be crucified differently from his
      Lord.

 3   Three linked circles to represent the Trinity.

 4   The Ship of the Church.

 5   Chantecleer, a symbol of Peter who three times denied Christ before the
      cock crowed.

 6   Crossed swords whose symbolism is not known.

 7   Crossed Keys - "The keys of the kingdom" given to Peter and

 8   The Gospel and Sword which is a symbol of Paul.  The gospel is inscribed
      "Spiritus Gladius".  The sword of the spirit.