In church, over to first carved pillar (5,4)
I believe the answer is:
totem pole
This clue could be a double definition.
'in church over' is the first definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how they can define each other.
'first carved pillar' is the second definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?
'to' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for totem pole that I've seen before include "Brave staff perhaps" , "Native American tribal symbol" , "Symbolic construction" , "(Am. Ind.) ritual pillar" , "Symbolic structure of some American Indians" .)