The chancel roof is of the same pitch, but of a pyramidal form; it is painted in the same manner as the nave, and is supported by four square fluted columns.
The altar is very beautifully devised. In the centre are the tables of the ten commandments, gold-lettered upon a black ground. On each side are full-length paintings of Moses, and of Aaron, in his “holy garments.” That of Aaron is very finely executed; the face is such as we can imagine that of the great “high-priest” to have been, majestic, but beautiful; and the “robes,” the “breast-plate,” the “ephod,” the “curious girdle,” and the “golden censer,” are very correctly painted. The outer tables of “The Belief” and “Lord’s Prayer” are handsomely gilded—the inscription being executed in letters of black; and over the commandments, in the centre of the altar, is a medallion painting of cherubs. The several compartments are divided by gilded pilasters; the cornices, architraves, and friezes, are very pretty and tasteful; and in the inter-columniations are one or two triglyphs.
The communion-table is covered with dark purple velvet, fringed deeply with gold; and on either end lie cushions to match. The communion-service plate is very handsome; the large salver, measuring eighteen inches in diameter, was presented to the church by John Otto Baijer, Esq., about the year 1724. It displays a representation of the “Lord’s Supper,” the figures in beautiful basso-relievo, and bears the following inscription:—
Donum Domini Johannis Otto Baijer
Ad Templum Divi Johannis Antigua.
The two smaller salvers and the cup are inscribed as follows:—
In usum Templi Divi Johannis in Antigua
Gulielmus Jones Parochialis hujus olim Rector
Donum Dedit.
Besides the communion-plate, the table supports a pair of tall silver lamps, with ground-glass burners, bearing the inscription—
Donum Domini Petre Lee ad Templum Divi
Johannis in Antigua.
And on each side of the table stand quaint-looking chairs, for the accommodation of the bishop and archdeacon, which have been used for that purpose since the dismantling of the “Bishop’s Pew.”
The pulpit and desk are of dark oak, as also the railings to the stairs; and, like the communion-table, have each their drapery and cushions of dark purple, with deep gold fringe and tassels, and the “I. H. S.” encircled with its golden rays. Formerly the pulpit, surmounted by a sounding-board, stood further down the nave; but after being removed once or twice, the desk has been separated from the pulpit, and they are placed at the entrance of the chancel, on each side the aisle.