Symbolism

The Holy Spirit as represented by flames is on the top of the sounding board over the pulpit, on the top of every light, and on each of the banisters as one ascends to the pulpit. The 7 steps up to the pulpit represent the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit: power, wealth, wisdom, might, honor, glory, blessing. (Isaiah 11:2; Rev. 5:12)

The Three Steps to the Chancel represent faith, hope and love. (I Cor. 13:13)

The Flower at the top of the Ionic columns in the middle of the design is the Messianic Rose that blooms at Christmas and symbolizes love, beauty, and Mary, the mother of our Lord.

The Instrument of Music in the Church is located on the top of the chandeliers. It is the three stringed lyre, and was chosen initially by the Greeks for its ease of playing and its sound, which was less high pitched than the four stringed lyre.

The Fish represents Christ, baptism, and the Resurrection and is found in the border over the Chancel. It is actually two fish, tail to tail.

The Grapes represent the blood of Christ and are etched on all the glass globes.

The Sunburst until the 1980's encompassed the entire area where the pipe organs are now located. This sunburst represented "The Glory of God."

The Octagonal shapes represent regeneration. This shape is found in the baptismal font, the pulpit, and the sounding board.

The Star with five points on the Narthex ceiling represents the star of Bethlehem.

The Door into the Church represents "I am the Door." (John 10:7)

The Tower above the Church means aspiration, the reaching of the spirit towards God and faith in God.

The Weathervane points to the wind and changes with the wind- a challenge to face difficulties and a warning to beware of changing with every kind of doctrine.

THE FIFTH BUILDING

In April 1965 the construction of the chapel and office wing began, culminating forty years of church expansion and construction in the Guilford area. Most remarkable were the many Memorial contributions that for all practical purposes completely paid for and furnished the chapel and Office Wing.

THE THIRD BUILDING

In the move to Guilford only 127 members could be counted on to relocate. The new property was purchased for $57,000, and the old Church was sold for $45,000. On December 11, 1924 ground was broken for the Church House and Tower. Less than one year later the Annual Congregational Meeting was held in the new Church House.

THE FOURTH BUILDING

Ground was broken for our present Sanctuary and Manse on April 26, 1929. The Manse was completed and occupied in December of that year, and the new church was dedicated a short time later on October 26, 1930. The Congregation at this service filled the church to overflowing. Then, in 1953, the Sanctuary was redecorated, for the first time since it was built, for the Sesquicentennial Celebration.