Nave Pews
The oak pews were installed in the early 1970s and replace longer pine pews which dated from the nineteenth century restoration of the church. The carved roundels and inscriptions were donated to, or celebrate the lives of, parishioners and those from further afield who love the church.
Probably the most unusual is the first pew on the north side of the centre aisle (nearest the chancel step) which has inset NASA medallions commemorating the first landing on the moon in 1969. (See also 'The American Connection' )
Click on the thumbnail images below to see larger images.
The most intricately carved is at the rear of the south aisle pews (nearest the Vicar's Vestry) which is dedicated to the people of Dedham, Massachusetts.
It shows the first Great Seal of the Republic in 1787. The thirteen stars above the eagle and the thirteen arrows in the eagle's claw signify the thirteen original States.
The panels on the back of the pew show:
A cross interlaced with two Ds, symbolising the religious bond between Dedham,England, and Dedham, Massachusetts.
The first house of worship in Massachusetts. Note the settlers going armed to worship because of danger from hostile Indians.
The Seal of Dedham, Massachusetts.
The Mayflower. In the surrounds are thirteen stars, for the original States, and roses for England.
The Arms of the State of Massachusetts.
A house of one of the original settlers.
The torch of Learning interlaced by two Ds.
The foliage along the top of the pew is Virginia Creeper among which are carved creatures typical of those found in the North Atlantic States of America - from left to right: cardinal bird; tree mouse; chickadee; monarch butterfly; bluebird; bees; chipmunk; mocking bird.