Masonic Intrigue (Part 1)

Built upon the proportions of Solomon's Temple?

Falinge is a small district of Rochdale, Lancashire which lies just outside the town centre. It has recently acquired the dubious mantle of ‘Benefits Capital of the UK’, which brought swiftly upon the concrete laden streets, the vagaries of national press attention. Just 50 metres away from this hotbed of scrutiny was a photographer with an entirely different subject framed within his lens.

The exterior geometry only hints at the symbolic wonders within

Andy Marshall explains: “ I am a photographer with a background in historic architecture and its conservation, and every now and again I get a call to help record a building which is under threat. On this occasion the building was the church of Saint Edmund in Falinge.”

Unconventional tracery at the Royd's Chapel

Andy is getting particularly used to photographing churches which are under threat, but this church overwhelmed him with the sheer quality, individuality and distinctiveness of its interior.

More symbols in the form of vine scroll, acorn and oak leaf motif's

“I remember first meeting the key holder there and discussing the history of the building as we entered the vestry. When we walked into the chancel I soon realised that Saint Edmund wasn’t the average Victorian church. I remember having to hold my excitement until I had the pleasure of being all alone in this remarkable space”.

To be continued.....

I AM THE....

I AM THE...., originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Must be viewed large to appreciate the detail

This is one of the most unusual reredos' I have photographed. It was designed by the first incumbent, the Rev E W Gilbert. Intertwined with the vine are the words 'I am the' - see them?

A friend of mine David Morris has sent in this wonderful explanation about this work of art:-

The complete quote is from John 15 verse 5 "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing". There is also a wider context of Christ being the "true vine" (John 15 1-17). The most important word, "vine", however is rendered unnecessary by the sculpture, suggesting the power of art to communicate truth, a theme of the time.

Notice how the introductory words "I am the" are carefully hidden amongst the vine leaves and branches. The words "I Am" in Hebrew are the name for God, which Christ used with regard to himself on several occasions, including the vine quote - see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_am_that_I_am . In the context of the 1870s, when a combination of Darwinism and Ruskinism had led to the celebration of nature in art (such as this), I think there is a deeper meaning which says "I Am" (or God) is behind, or part and parcel, of all nature if only one has "eyes to see" through the physical representation.

Saint Edmund's, Falinge near Rochdale - is a real tour-de-force. Built in the 1870's for £28,000 (when a good church cost £4000). It is a Masonic Church and Pevsner says that it has symbolism to rival the Da Vinci Code Rosslyn Chapel. I am photographing the interior because it is due to close this month.