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Looking at the stained
glass windows to the South, you might notice that all of the windows
depict scenes from the New Testament. Looking North, one might
naturally expect to see scenes from the Old Testament. And this is
(mostly) the case. The first window however does not fit this
symmetry. It features an angel and the two Marys in search of Jesus'
body; the story continues with the first window in the South Transept,
where Jesus appears to the two Marys.
Perhaps the big question one might have is regarding the centre panel
in the North transept. Did plans or designs ever exist to fill in the
remaining windows? A typical practice, these windows were to be filled
in at a later date, upon finding a suitable donor. When will this
transept see completion? That question remains unanswered at the
moment. Indeed, there has been interest in the past to complete this
project. It would be interesting to imagine what scene could be
depicted in the centre window if it were to be replaced; would it be
an Old Testament scene, or would it be anything between the time of
King David and the Crucifixion of the Christ?
One of the most interesting details featured in this series of panels
is the dedication window to the church architect, Mr. James Gray. It
features David and Solomon with plans for the temple of the Lord, and
a kneeling figure presenting pots and vessels at the feet of the king.
These pots and vessels could be seen as a metaphor for the many
Christian churches that would follow after the Temple of the Lord, a
fitting dedication for the architect of Knox church. It raises the
question: was this window actually erected in 1922 only after the
death of the architect, or was it completed before his death and
simply dedicated at that time? In other words, did he live to see this
window, and did he have any input in its design?
Click
here for a close-up...
North Transept, Left Window
(1909) - Christ has Risen
Mary Magdalene and Salome and Mary, the mother of James, with their
jar of embalming spices have gone to Jesus' tomb. An angel clothed in
white tells them Christ is risen. Note the crown of thorns and burial
cloth. You are inside the tomb looking out at the city of Jerusalem
beyond done in medieval style. The sky is pictured at dawn.
Dedication: "In affectionate memory of John Kerr (1893), and his
wife Elizabeth Anderson (1904)."
North Transept, Right Window (1922) - The Temple of the Lord
"He called Solomon his son and charged him to build a house for the
Lord God of Israel" - an appropriate subject for a window honouring
Mr. Gray the architect of this church. King David is shown like a
medieval king. Note buildings and columns in the background. Both
David and Solomon hold plans of the Temple. The figure kneeling humbly
before David and Solomon might be Hiram who made the pots and vessels
for the Temple of Solomon.
Dedication: "In affectionate memory of James Gray (March 28, 1922)
(37yrs as a member; 21 yrs as a member of Session, incl. 12 yrs as
Clerk of Session; church architect)"
North Side, Aisle Window
(1909) - Daniel the Prophet
Note the vivid colours in the stained glass. Daniel was in the court
of Nebuchadnezzar in exile in Babylon. He looks upwards towards God,
maybe longing for release from Babylon. Note his rich ornate robes -
as was probable for someone in the court of a king. He holds a scroll.
His yellow robe is a symbol of revealed truth.
Dedication: "In loving memory of George Craig (1819-1893, member
for nearly 50yrs)"
The Craig family was actively involved at Knox; they had two
daughters, Miss Craig, and Mrs. Christopher Thompson. Mrs. Thompson's
son was Colonel Chris Thompson, who was in charge of the Toronto
Scottish at the beginning of the World War II. |
