To this very day you can see a fragment of that explosion, embedded inside the entry to the oldest Anglican Church in Canada in the Halifax's downtown, and an "explosion window" inside its west wall. These are the accidental memorabilia for which the church is notable, as are the crypts within which contain the remains of illustrious British colonials. Like many other churches in North America, however, it also has affixed on pews, windows, and walls numerous name plates bearing constant witness to Mr. and Mrs. So and So's donations to this historic church. Ascension Day moved me to reflect on this curious juxtaposition of earthly generosity in a space dedicated to the the mighty acts of heaven.
Christ's ascension to the right hand of God the Father teaches us that heaven rules the earth, and that it does so through the merits of Jesus Christ. Christian worship space does so uniquely: its unique configuration and symbols bears constant testimony that Christ submits all things to the glory of God the Father, and that he will come again to judge the living and the dead. Name plates proclaiming human generosity in Christian worship space undermine that sovereignty, contradict the Word with words, deny heaven's decisive role and exalt earthly human deeds.
When Christ ascended into heaven, Paul writes the Ephesians (4:1-13), he gave gifts to the church to declare the glory of God and his Christ. Whether you have the opportunity to visit St. Paul's in downtown Halifax, or any other historic church, enjoy its testimonies to history. May the name plates on liturgical furniture move you to acknowledge that no one but God is gracious enough to deserve constant recognition for gifts we have received from him. Only heaven's generosity merits Name recognition in the church and in all the places that extend its ministry, including schools for training ministers of the Gospel.
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