Edson R. Miles Memorial Reredos

The symbols incorporated in the design, starting at the bottom of the panel are:

1. The Chinese symbol depicting "double joy," denotes conjugal bliss.
2. The Sanskrit OM which symbolizes Hinduism's divine principle.
3. The seven-branched menorah of Judaism.
4. The Chinese sign for water, a life-giving source.
5. The Lotus flower associated with the Buddhist doctrine expressing the flowering of the human spirit.
6. The anchor of Christian hope.
7. The Menorah is the upright of the Christian cross.
8. The small golden circle enclosing two circular solids.
9. The circular Yang and Yin of the Confucian and Taoist philosophies, suggesting the inter-acting energy modes in all aspects of nature.
10. Around this symbol are rays emanating from it standing for the Shinto faith of Japan.
11. A Celtic cross may be seen around the Yang and Yin with its upright beginning in the lotus flower on the right of the panel and going at an angle towards the upper left of the reredos.


Theological students observing the installation of the reredos



Americo Bertolli from Venetian Art Mosaics, Inc., installing the Edwin R. Miles Memorial Reredos