While you are sitting in the pew waiting for the service to start, you might look up and see that great wooden beam (or rood beam) with the figure of Christ on the Cross (crucifix) mounted on it. Did you know that this is called a rood screen? It is a common feature of medieval church architecture that separates the chancel from the nave (where you are now sitting). It was quite often a complete structure with wooden tracery right to the ground, leaving only a small entrance. This was to separate the laity (common people like you and me!) from the high altar. (See the story of Zechariah Luke 1:5-25.) Zechariah had been chosen to enter the sanctuary of the Lord, and offer incense. The whole congregation was at prayer outside. They were separated by a rood screen or Veil. (Read Leviticus 16:2) The figures on either side of Christ are said to be Mary the mother of Christ and St John. (See John 19:26-27).
Until the 6th century the altar of Christian churches would have been in full view of the congregation, separated only by a low altar rail around it. Then churches started to surround their altars with all sorts of pillars and decorative elements which could support a beam along which a curtain (or veil) could be drawn at specific points during the Eucharist. That is also why the bells are rung during the elevation of the Bread in the Eucharistic prayers, to remind those who sit in the congregation where the priest is in the prayer (he could not be seen due to the curtain). Most of the rood screens or chancel screens were removed from churches during the Counter-reformation in the 16th century as it was thought that there should be no separation between the laity and the celebration of the Mass. However it provides a focus for worship, especially during Holy Week. In our own Cathedral a smaller altar has been positioned near the chancel steps, bringing the clergy even nearer to the congregation.
On the lighter side: while looking at the rood beam, you will see a small hole on the right-hand side. This came about when a bird escaped the Free State heat and flew into the cool Cathedral. When the time came to putting on the alarm, the bird flew around in panic, setting it off again and again. The only way Timothy Cross (youngest son of former Dean, Aidan Cross) could think of solving the matter was to eliminate the bird. Hence the bullet hole in the Rood beam – it seems he wasn’t such a good shot!
Written by: Sandy Botha