A Shining Example of Bad Photography

I have spent an unfruitful morning at church.  I arranged to visit before this morning's service so that I could photograph the commemorative plaques to local servicemen.  I hadn't realised that they were all brass - unfortunately with the sunlight streaming in and the church lights on, I have only managed to get photographs of bright lights and reflected church walls.

My photography skills are limited in the extreme, so any advice will be gratefully received.