LECTERN
The lectern supports the large Bible from which the lessons are read. The form which the lectern takes is significant. Two forms are used; the least common being that of a pelican feeding her young. The pelican, which the old naturalists said was accustomed to tear open her breast in order to feed her young with her own blood, is a symbol of our Saviour; so the blood shed on Calvary gives life to the Church. A splendid example of this form of lectern may be seen at Durham Chapel.
The more common form, which we find in Christ Church, is that of an eagle standing on a globe, bearing a Bible on its outstretched wings. The eagle is the symbol of inspiration and its position upon the globe and its outstretched wings remind us how the Word of God is carried to all the world. On the shaft of the lectern are cast the emblems of the four Evangelists; the man, the lion, the ox, and the eagle symbolizing the four aspects of the Gospels; the human, the kingly, the sacrificial and the divine.
FONT
Holy Baptism, one of the sacraments ordained by Christ as "generally necessary for salvation" is provided for by the presence of the font. The name comes from the Latin word meaning fountain or spring - and it is the repository for the pure water used in the mystical washing away of sin. Following ancient custom the font is often octagonal in shape. The symbolism of this is interesting. As creation was finished in seven periods of time, the next following, or eighth might signify the new creation.
In some churches, a room called the bapistry, is set apart from the rest of the church. Here we find the font. In most churches, however, it is placed near a main entrance.
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