Underwood St Michael and All Angels

Features and Fittings

Chancel

Altar

Altar and communion rail

The altar is a framed construction made from 4 in. x 4 in. timber. It is not panelled and is simply covered with a decorated cloth.

At the rear of the altar sits large lockable chest with a four panel front and top.

Communion rail

The moulded wooden communion rail set on the step to the sanctuary has three metal supports on each side and a hinged central section. A small metal plaque on the communion rail reads:

1982
THIS ALTAR RAIL WAS RESTORED
IN MEMORY OF
JOHN GORDON FARNSWORTH
1932-1981
A LIFELONG MEMBER OF THIS CHURCH
HE LIVED FOR THOSE HE LOVED
AND THOSE HE LOVED REMEMBER

Altar Screen

Records indicate that an altar screen was originally installed, but is no longer present.

The pulpit, a lectern, the altar screen and several other items were donated by the Earl Cowper when the church was built.

Prayer Desk

Prayer desk in
the sanctuary

Sitting close to the first step, to the south side of the chancel is a stained oak Prayer Desk with shaped panel supports and a wooden seat. Within the sanctuary there are three other more modern prayer desks and a reading desk all of light oak. 

A further Prayer Desk with a separate chair both of light oak is located on the north side of the sanctuary close by the pulpit.

Piscina

On the south wall of the sanctuary is a small piscina. It has a curved projecting shelf and a pointed arch head. Over the head the decorative moulding that runs along the wall is curved, emphasizing the piscina.

Plaque

Set into the north wall of the sanctuary is a rectangular alabaster plaque recording the erection of the church. It has the coat of arms of the Earl Cowper set within the trefoil that fills the upper part, with the memorial text below:

TO THE GLORY OF GOD
This church was erected by
FRANCIS THOMAS DE GREY
EARL COWPER
Anno Domini 1890

Choir Stall

Stalls on the north
side of the choir

A long stained wooden stall is placed on the north side of the chancel, presumably formerly used by the choir. A similar stall is located at the east end of the south aisle near the door to the vestry.

Nave

Pulpit

The pulpit is located on the north side of the chancel steps in front of the column supporting the first arch. It has an octagonal plinth base of cream Hopwood (Derbyshire) limestone surmounted by stained oak pierced panels with finely carved cinquefoil and quatrefoil oak tracery.

A small plaque on the pulpit reads:

ALTAR CURTAIN AND PULPIT CRUCIFIX
ERECTED FROM DONATIONS
IN MEMORY OF
ARTHUR ERIC ALCOCK
DIED MARCH 23RD 1983
IN RECOGNITION OF
MANY YEARS SERVICE
AS CHURCH WARDEN

Lectern

The lectern stands in the crossing immediately in front of the first pew of the nave. It is of medium stained oak with a two level circular base supporting the turned shaft that is terminated with a half globe, on which a well carved eagle with outstretched wings and open beak forms the bookrest.

A brass plaque on the half globe at the top of the shaft reads:

TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN LOVING MEMORY OF
MAUD MARY WESTON, DIED 28TH MARCH 1939,
JOHN HENRY WESTON, DIOED 11TH MARCH 1948,
GEORGE WESTON, DIED 27TH JULY 1949.
THIS LECTERN WAS PRESENTED TO ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH,
UNDERWOOD, BY MR GEORGE WESTON, CHURCHWARDEN,
CHRISTMAS 1949.

Font

The font is now located at the west end of the south aisle, having been moved from its original site in the baptistry some time ago to make space for the toilets.

It sits on an ogee moulded plinth with a central octagonal shaft supporting the shaft, the bowl with eight carved panels carved with alternating quatrefoils and four petal flowers. All have a carved flower in the centre.

A wooden cover decorated with an iron cross with a central ring completes the design.

Nave Seating

The nave is furnished with the original pews throughout. All are of lightly stained wood with panelled backrests and shaped ends.