The Paschal candle is an old tradition in the church, and was an established custom at St Augustine's before our time. ( We are undeterred by the detail that it used to be illegal. )
The candle symbolises the resurrection of Jesus, and is lit in our services from Easter until Ascension Day. At the end of each service it is extinguished. Used in this way, it is big enough to last throughout the period; it stands in a large candlestick to the left of the altar.
Alan Creak,
2009 July.