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As you might notice,
these windows all depict scenes from the New Testament. The series of
three windows in the South Transept make for a stunning visual display
of light and colour. Take note of the fine flowers depicted in these
three windows. The first window shows a beautiful view of the very
first Easter morning, possessing rich colour and a wonderful sense of
depth. It is interesting to notice the dates of the South Transept
windows. Updated on three separate occasions, windows were added in
1933, 1936, and the last centre light was added in 1976.
It was unusual for any stained glass work to be commissioned during
the depression, and very little stained glass activity took place in
North America for obvious reasons. Again in the 1940s, because of the
shortage of craftspeople and supplies during World War II,
little stained glass activity took place. StainedGlass.org writes
about this period in history:
These two relatively
unproductive periods closely followed each other and resulted in a
renewed demand for stained glass when the war was over. Also
contributing to this new demand was an influx of books and magazines
into the country showing the contemporary European churches.
www.stainedglass.org/main_pages/association_pages/historySG.html
The Ascension window
from 1976 is a bright and symmetrical design, with saintly halos given
to everyone, and an extra special radiant glow and halo for the
ascending Christ. The window blends in nicely with the surrounding
windows, and one would not suspect it is as new as it is.
South Side, Aisle
Window (1909) - Christ the Good Shepherd
Christ wears a red robe the colour of his blood - a symbol of His love
for us. Red was also the Roman colour of sovereign power which here
would signify Christ's ruling power over everything. He holds the
sheep that was lost. He looks at it. He holds a shepherd's crook - a
symbol of mercy, but firmness.
Dedication: "In loving memory of James Livingston (1909) (member
for 16 yrs)"
South Transept, Left Window
(1933) - Easter Morning
"Mary and the other Mary"
This follows on from opposite window on the North side. The women have
run from the empty tomb after seeing the angel - "suddenly Jesus was
there in front of them - they fell to the ground worshipping him."
They have their spice jars with them, Mary Magdalene stands - you can
see her hair - a medieval sign for Mary, Mary wears blue. Notice how
Jesus looks majestic but friendly, dressed in red.
Five years prior to 1933, the Sniders had visited Jerusalem and had
been impressed by the vibrant colours from flowers known as
anenomes, which covered the ground around the time of Easter. Deep
red and dark blue, these flowers were introduced into the window
design at the request of Mr. Snider.
Dedication: "To the glory of God and in loving memory of Mary
Lavina Rankin Snider (Oct. 2, 1931) and Mary Adelaide Snider (Sept. 5,
1932)"
This window which features the two Marys from the Bible also
happens to be dedicated to two Marys from Knox; one the mother of
C.H.J. Snider, the other his wife. The Sniders were dear friends and
members of Knox Church, together for 23 years. Their kindness lighted
many lives.
South Transept, Centre Window
(1976) - The Ascension
"He was parted from them and
carried up into heaven" Jesus rises into the sky blessing His
disciples flanked by two angels. Note the circular halo about His head
with the cross - a symbol of Christ's divinity. Note the Aureole
beaming down. Note the disciples and Mary, Jesus' mother, dressed in
traditional blue.
South Transept, Right Window
(1936*) - Let the Children Come to Me
"Suffer little children to come unto me" Mothers and a father bring
their children of all ages to Jesus - He blesses them and carries one
child. Note the town in the distance and the halo with the cross.
Dedication: "To the glory of God and in loving memory of William
Harris (1862-1931, father) and G. Howard Anderson (1883-1942, husband)
by Ada F. Anderson. (G. H. Anderson – Clerk of Session from 1926, and
Trustee from 1924)"
* Mrs. Anderson had this window installed in 1936 in memory of her
father, William Harris. After the death of her husband in 1942, she
added his name to the dedication. |
