[NYer]

The Crucifix appears to be required as well ~ but I belong to a church that doesn't bother with belltowers and steeples, so we'll get to that one way down the road eh!

You are right. The Crucifix is required for it was there that Mary stood in painful witness to the promises made by Simeon at the time of Christ's presentation in the Temple:

and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."
Luke: 2:34-35

[muawiyah]

The "requirement" is in a different verse, but the early Disciples definitely spoke in tune with its use.

(NOTE: Always look for the word "sign" ~ sometimes that's meant quite literally, not metaphorically.)