|
|
|
|
 |
- 11 - Ancient Font |
|---|
The font stands in the 'baptistery', near the entrance to the
church. In the font the life-giving waters of Baptism are blessed and
poured, as new Christians come to be claimed for Christ and to be
re-born in him. The font was from early times a principal symbol of
continuity and the font was often the only original artefact to
survive a rebuilding. The present font was found in Roby churchyard
in the last century, and is thought to have been Prescot's early font,
lost at the reformation. In 1935 the font was rescued by Canon Mitchell's Daughters.
They had it restored and returned back to Prescot Church in his memory. (Canon
Mitchell was Vicar at Prescot from 1887-1919).
Formed from a large sandstone
block, the primitive and deep font bowl is lined with lead. The Civic Trust calls
it 'Anglo-Saxon'. It now has a 17th century carved wooden cover.
Also here in the baptistery (except in Easter-tide) is the 'Paschal' candle mounted on a stand designed in 1989 by Robin McGhie.
In
the north aisle is an Italian marble holy water stoup or stoop, given to the
church by Daniel Willis of Halsnead Hall in 1755. Described by Pevsner as 'a
very pretty piece,' it has a shallow basin, and a foot with concave sides,
carved with leaves and shells. It has also served as a font and in it
the actor John Philip Kemble was baptised in 1757. He was born in Prescot wilst
his parents were visiting the town with a company of travelling theatre performers.