The Reredos

A Reredos is the decorated area of the east wall above and behind an Altar.

The Reredos at Saint Mark's High Altar is a recreation of Leonardo Di Vinci's famous fresco of the Last Supper which is meant to depict the moment when Jesus has said that one of them will betray him and the disciples are asking, "Is it I?" (Matthew 26:20-22)

The central scene of the Reredos, along with the statues of Saint Mark and Saint John, was carved of German Black Walnut by Aldois Lang of Oberamergau, Bavaria in 1927. The decorative woodwork into which they are set was designed by the Pro-Cathedral's architect, Ralph Adams Cram.

The High Altar was originally attacted to the east wall below the carving. In 1975, the Altar was moved forward, allowing the priest to celebrate the Eucharist from behind it, facing the congregation.