THE OBERAMMERGAU CRUCIFIX

It is an historiacl fact that Jesus was crucified on Good Friday outside Jerusalem inder the authority of Pontius Pilate.

Christians have always believed that by the three hours on the Cross, Jesus Christ won salvation for all mankind. It has been traditional to show Jesus the crucified Saviour in paintings, stained glass and especially by a life-like carved figure on a cross. We call this a crucifix from the latin for cross and crucifixion (the method of killing by nailing to a cross).

The parish of St George had a crucifix made for theWar Memorial just after World War I. Upon the Altar in the Church, you will see crucifixes to remind us of the day of our salvation. This practice recalls the words of St Paul 'I will preach Christ crucified'.

When the Laleham Abbey Sisters moved for the last time, they gave Fr Paul Williamson the larger crucifix (2/3 life size) which was carved in 1870 in Oberammergau in Bavaria. This village is noted for its Passion Play held every 10 years and for its wonderful wood carvings. So this realistic and moving crucifix was specially made there for the Sisters abd has always been in their Chapel until gifted to St George's.

The cross behind the figure of Jesus Christ is gilded and shows the vine of which He said 'I am the true vine' - and this leads us to the wine which is His Blood in Holy Communion.

After World War II friends of the Sisters added the figures of Mary, Mother of Jesus and St John, his cousin, as a thanksgiving that no Sisters were killed in the war. The Gospel records that they stood beside the cross as Jesus was crucified and died.

It is hoped that in the future, the figures will be moved from their present position on the north nave wall to the traditional position at the chancel arch.