The Opus Sectile
An opus sectile is a work of art dating back to Roman times. Literally speaking, it refers to an artistic work on a large scale (opus), made from materials that are capable of being cut smoothly (sectile).
This technique dates back to Roman times. It was commonly used as a floor decoration, similar to a mosaic. The opus sectile however, instead of uniformly cut small tiles as in a mosaic, is composed of pieces which are individually cut to the shape of the design.
Roundhay St. John's Church is the proud home of a large opus sectile which is set into the wall at the east end.
In 1921, three years after the end of the Great War, the Roundhay St. John's Church Council met to discuss designs for a memorial to the fallen soldiers. With the War Memorials' Committee's recommendation, an opus sectile was chosen. The design was placed at the east end of the church on either side of the altar. It was crafted by Messrs. Powell and Sons, Whitefriars, London.
The Order Book Entry from Messrs. Powell and Sons: 866. p.371 13/1/21 St John, Roundhay, Leeds Opus panels, sanctuary. George, Alban, John, Martin, Oswald, Walfstan? Ctns Edwards 360 guineas
Two tablets, situated on the north and south walls, record the names of the fallen in the order in which they died. The rank and regiment of each soldier are not included.
A bronze plaque was added listing the names of the fallen from the Second World War.
The unveiling ceremony was held on January 1st 1922.
St. John's Church Opus Sectile depicts three warrior saints and three saints who have significance to the church and the occasion.
St. George lived in the late third century although there is no historical surety about his existence and conflicting accounts regarding the little that is known. With this in mind, he is thought to have been born to Christian Middle Eastern parents in Syria. His father was an officer in the Roman army. George followed in his father's footsteps in the army but despite the fact that Christians were being persecuted at that time George declared his faith and was executed.
The legend of George being the dragon slayer represents George's fight against evil.
George is the Patron Saint of England although he never travelled there. The crusaders probably referred to him as an aid in battle. King Edward 111 made him Patron Saint of England in 1350. His Feast Day is 23rd April.
This technique dates back to Roman times. It was commonly used as a floor decoration, similar to a mosaic. The opus sectile however, instead of uniformly cut small tiles as in a mosaic, is composed of pieces which are individually cut to the shape of the design.
Roundhay St. John's Church is the proud home of a large opus sectile which is set into the wall at the east end.
In 1921, three years after the end of the Great War, the Roundhay St. John's Church Council met to discuss designs for a memorial to the fallen soldiers. With the War Memorials' Committee's recommendation, an opus sectile was chosen. The design was placed at the east end of the church on either side of the altar. It was crafted by Messrs. Powell and Sons, Whitefriars, London.
The Order Book Entry from Messrs. Powell and Sons: 866. p.371 13/1/21 St John, Roundhay, Leeds Opus panels, sanctuary. George, Alban, John, Martin, Oswald, Walfstan? Ctns Edwards 360 guineas
Two tablets, situated on the north and south walls, record the names of the fallen in the order in which they died. The rank and regiment of each soldier are not included.
A bronze plaque was added listing the names of the fallen from the Second World War.
The unveiling ceremony was held on January 1st 1922.
St. John's Church Opus Sectile depicts three warrior saints and three saints who have significance to the church and the occasion.
St. George lived in the late third century although there is no historical surety about his existence and conflicting accounts regarding the little that is known. With this in mind, he is thought to have been born to Christian Middle Eastern parents in Syria. His father was an officer in the Roman army. George followed in his father's footsteps in the army but despite the fact that Christians were being persecuted at that time George declared his faith and was executed.
The legend of George being the dragon slayer represents George's fight against evil.
George is the Patron Saint of England although he never travelled there. The crusaders probably referred to him as an aid in battle. King Edward 111 made him Patron Saint of England in 1350. His Feast Day is 23rd April.
St. Alban Although little is definitely known about St. Alban, due to the fact that the information available was written hundreds of years after his death, he is recognised as the first English martyr. He is depicted in armour because, after being told by a pagan judge to disavow his Christianity St. Alban put on the armour of spiritual warfare and maintained his belief which led to his martyrdom.
His Feast Day is 22nd June.
St. John is often known as John the Evangelist as he is credited with writing the last Gospel. Christian tradition recognises John the Evangelist as John the Apostle who Jesus named to care for his mother after his death. There is debate on whether John the Evangelist was the same John who wrote the Book of Revelation. In the opus sectile St. John is shown with a quill pen and book indicating his authorship of the final Gospel.
Interestingly, the Roundhay Church was never actually named John the Evangelist. When the first stone of the church was laid in 1824 the inscription read "...the church is to be called St. Johns Church at Roundhay". Maybe to distinguish it from the St. John's which is situated in the centre of Leeds?
His Feast Day is 27th December.
St. Martin was born in Hungary in the 4th century. He was the son of a Roman army officer. Although he worshipped as a Christian from a young age he joined the Roman cavalry at age 15. It is said that during his time in the army he declared that he was a soldier of Christ and that he could not fight. It is thought that he was the first conscientious objector (although this is disputed). He became the Bishop of Tours in France and died in 397. He is a patron of the poor and of soldiers.
His Feast Day is 11th November, which is most fitting, as this date marked the end, to all practical purposes, of the First World War.
St. Oswald was a seventh century Anglo-Saxon warrior king who was born in Northumbria and converted to Christianity during his exile as a child. He reclaimed his kingdom and promoted the spread of Christianity. Despite being a warrior king, it is said that he was "a man of prayer and compassion". He was killed during the Battle of Maserfield in 642 supposedly against a pagan army. His body was dismembered and displayed on stakes.
His Feast Day is 5th August . (Is this coincidental that 5th August is one day after the declaration of the First World War, 4th August).
St.Wulfstan was born about 1008 and was appointed Bishop of Worcester shortly before the Norman Conquest. He was highly respected by both the English and the Normans. He was likely named after his uncle, Wulfstan, who confusingly had also been the Bishop of Worcester before becoming the Archbishop of York. Wulfstan cared for the poor and preached against the slave trade which operated between Bristol and Ireland and was successful in this endeavour. In 1084 Wulfstan reluctantly agreed to build a cathedral on the site of the old church which St. Oswald had built. Wulfstan was reputedly very upset saying that he was destroying the work of a much holier man than himself.
Wulfstan was canonized in 1203. His Feast Day is 19th January.
The names of the fallen are listed below. It has been pointed out to me, for an unknown reason, that Tom Willey's name was not included, although he has a stained glass window to honour his memory.
Photographs by Peter Oldfield and courtesy of The Oakwood Church website (Oakwood Church is not linked to the Friends of Roundhay St. John's and our views are not necessarily those of Oakwood Church).