Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1899-10-05
UNIQUE MOSAIC AT BlSHOpSTEAD.


Comprises historical Relics In stone, Brick
or Pebble OF Ancient Edifices Io-
caitties.
The fourth. the sixth, the four
teenth and the seventeenth centuries
all are represented or suggested in q
mosaic Just placed in the central
portion Of the floor Of the Chapel Of
the Good Shepherd, at Bishorstead.
The mosaic adds much to the historic
interest of that always interesting
place. One of its parts is a stone from
the oldest Christian church in the
world, St. Martins, Canterbury other
stones recall st. Coluniba, tho first
missionary to Scotland. Some Of the
pieces came from the Duke of Argyll,
and some from Canon Routledge, the
chief authority on the history, OF
from Old Swedes Church. the building
of which was begun in 1923, is the
most modern specimen IN the col
lection.
With the exception of tho brick from
Old Swedes, recently presented to
Bishop Coleman by a. p. Vandever,
has had the stones for about two years
abroad Ii has often heen problem
hefitting their value as historical
relics. The opportunity came to settle
tho problem. A register in the central
part Of the chapel floor had not given
satisfaction and the bishop decided to
have it removed. He sent for A. S.
Reed, the contractor, who measured
the opening with view to replacing
the register with flooring. just about
that time, the idea came into Bishop
Coleman's mind that here was an
| opportunity to use his valuable speci
mems, and it was not long before the
plan of piecing out the flooring was
dropped and the contractor was directed
to prepare concrete bed for the relics
that were to be brought together into
| a mosaic.
The concrete bed is 90 inches square
and lies in the aisle. On the side
nearest the altar are two stones, and
on the side nearer the entrance, two
bricks, two pebbles and piece of
granite. Considering first those on the
altar side, piece of dull gray stone
about by 81 inches, is learned to be
from the Great Church Of st. Angus
tines monastery, Canterbury, built in
the fourteenth century. This was a
gift from Canon .t,utledge. To
its left is a piece of granite.
gray in color. I by 10ls inches,
from the Cathedral OF Iona on the
island of that name, Scotland. The
cathedral was built near the spot where
ST. Columbia landed in 565, on the eve of
/ Whitsunday. That saint founded a
| monastery, and the cathedral was after
wards built there, about the thirteenth
century. This stone was given by the
Duke of Argyll. who sent it and three
other specimens at the request of Lady
Frances Balfour. The Duke is tbs
owner OF the Island of Iona. The
bones Of st. COLUMBIA are supposed to
be buried under the church.
In the second row of historic stones,
that lying nearer the entrance to
the chapel, piece Of reddish Scotch
granite, by 8 inches, is under the
specimen from st. Augustlne's. The
Scottish granite is the gift of the Duke
of Argyll and was taken from the
Cathedral of Iona. 1t Is capable of a
high polish. The central piece in this
row is a grayish Roman brick about 3si
by 71s inches from ST. Martins Church,
Canterbury, England. Canon Rout.
=
ledge, who presented this, says be has
no doubt, from an exhaustive investi-
cation, that the church was built in
the fourth century, and is the oldest
Christian church in the world, ante.
dating the old churches OF Italy. Or
each side OF the brick is a small Whit
pebble, picked up near the spot where
st. Columbia landed back in $50. These
were also sent by the Duke of Argyll.
The brick from Old Swedes is Of
English make. it is about 4 by ~
inches, and of a brownish shade.
1t is the intention of Bishop Cole
man to have the different pieces mum
bered and to have a brass plate on the
wall. giving information concerning
them, 60 that it may be handed dowr
to posterity.. He is especially PLEASED
that the eenuineness of tho severa
parts Of this rare mosaic is so vel
established.