ORATORY OF ST. MICHAEL AND
ALL ANGELS
When Bishop Alexander Vinton chose Springfield as the See City, the house standing at the corner of Worthington and Clarendon Streets was purchased by the Diocese for his home. He planned and had built a little chapel at the northerly end of this house, called "The Oratory of St. Michael and All Angels." Here the prayers of the household are said; here too are held baptisms, confirmations, retreats, and other church services. Although this is no part of Christ Church, yet since so many parishioners have worshipped there, we add a brief description of this chapel.
The furnishings of the Oratory are either memorials or gifts that have been made to Bishop Vinton or Bishop Davies. These are added to from time to time. Directly over the Altar is a very large, fine, old Spanish painting, probably of the school of Murillo, a gift to Bishop Vinton. The Altar was given as a memorial to Mrs. Henry H. Skinner. On a silver cross, fastened on one end, is engraved the inscription, "To the glory of God and in loving memory of Gertrude Parsons Skinner this altar is erected by her devoted husband A. D. 1907." The reredos is surmounted by a shield, on which is carves a bishop's mitre. At the base of the reredos is a series of similar shield, on which are carved the Instruments of the Passion.
At the left of the Oratory as we enter are three stained glass windows. On the first is the "Angel Raphael, The Medicine of God," then "Michael, Who is Like Unto God." and "Uriel, Light of God." The coloring and drawing of these figures is wonderfully clear, soft and beautiful.
On the walls of the Oratory are hanging several framed pictures.
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