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Windows of Wesley Church Crest

The Stained Glass Windows of Wesley

The History of the Stained Glass Memorial Windows of Wesley Memorial United Church was compiled by members of the Marguerite Harvey Unit 2, United Church Women to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Wesley Memorial United Church, November 3rd, 1991.

 

Chancel Window
 
"Behold I Stand and Knock" Soldier Memorial
"Suffer the Children" "I Am the Good Shepherd"
"I Am the Resurrection" The St. Cecilia Window
"Suffer the Children"  

 

Chancel Window   Top


 The First Panel Inscription reads, In Memory of Rev. William James Kirby, 1852 -1935, erected by his family. This Panel, bears the emblem of the Communion Cup, and the words: This Do in Remembrance of Me: (Luke 22:19). The Rev. Mr. Kirby served on the Official Board and was Supernumerary and a member of the Executive of the church. This panel was unveiled by William J. Kirby, October 17th, 1937.

The Second Panel Inscription reads, In Memory of George Sangster and wife Rebecca Sangster, whose devotion and generosity made possible the first church on this site. Given by their son G. L. Sangster. This Panel depicts Saint John as a young man writing his Gospels. This panel was unveiled by John Sangster February 26th, 1933. The inscription on the middle panel reads, "In Memory of John Snowball Rayworth 1857 - 1924 and his wife Augusta Rayworth 1860 - 1919," among the founders of this church of which they remained members until their death. Erected by their daughters Ruby and Hazel. This Panel depicts Jesus knocking at the door, holding a lantern. "I am the light of the world."(John 8:12). Mr. Rayworth was the first Recording Steward of this church. This panel was unveiled March 11th, 1928.

 

The Fourth Panel Inscription reads, In Loving Memory of John Edward Barss 1852 -1922, local preacher and Sunday School Superintendent of this Church for many years. Given by his wife, Mrs. Christine Jane Barss. This Panel depicts St. Paul, in one hand holding the Book suggesting the Epistles, and in the other the Sword (i.e. of the Spirit, -- the attributes of St. Paul). Unveiled by son Kenneth Barss October 17th, 1937.

The Fifth Panel Inscription reads, In Grateful Memory of Hial Bennett 1856 - 1929, his wife Florence M. Bennett 1866 - 1936, their son Walter Allen Bennett 1885 - 1934. Given by the Trustees of The Bennett Estate. This Panel depicts the open Bible. ``Sanctify them through Thy Truth'' (John 17:17). Unveiled by Adrian Bennett October 17th, 1937.

The Ten Panel Tracery of this Window was also given by the Trustees of the Estate In Memory of Mrs. Florence Bennett.

 

Dempsey, Murray and Gay Memorial Windows  Top
 The first window on west end of the south side of the Church is the Dempsey, Murray and Gay window. The first panel depicts the harp "Praise Yet the Lord Again". The inscription reads: In loving memory of Wesley J. Dempsey, Allison D. Dempsey and Queen R. Dempsey.

The second panel depicts St. Cecilia, the Patron St. of Music, and was dedicated to the memory of Miss Marion Murray, Organist and Choir Director of Wesley Memorial 1927 - 1963; also to the memory of her family, William Murray, Augusta (Curran) Murray, Lloyd and Jane. Mr. William Murray was a member of the Finance Committee of this church, and Miss Marion Murray headed the Endowment Fund of our church. She died in 1971. Dedicated by the Church as a whole; presented by Mr. Bob Wickwire on behalf of The Committee of Stewards, December 9th, 1973.

The Third Panel depicts the Pipes of an Organ. The Inscription reads, With Voices Praise the Lord. In Memory of Emma R. Gay, choir member of this church for 58 years, and daughter of George R. Sangster. Mrs. Emma Gay gave much of her life to the choir and music of Wesley Memorial Church. The Church is deeply grateful to her family for this gift for the beautifying of our sanctuary and the blessing of our people. Placed by her son William, December 26th, 1976.

 

The Good Shepherd Memorial Window  Top
This window is on south side second from the end (west end) and was given to the Church by the children of G. Lewis and Elizabeth (Carter) Avard. The first panel depicts a crown, "And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a Crown of Glory that fadeth not away (1 Peter 5:4)

The Second Panel depicts The Good Shepherd, symbolic of Jesus' words in the Parable -- What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing, and when he cometh home, he called together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, ``Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost" (Luke 15: 4 - 6). The Inscription reads, ``Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost".

The Third Panel depicts a chalice, which is symbolic of the cup used by our Lord when He gave thanks, gave it to them; and they all drank of it. And He said unto them, ``This is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many. Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the Kingdom of God". (Mark 14:23 - 25). This Memorial Window was given to the Church by the children of G. Lewis and Elizabeth (Carter) Avard. Their six children were: Mrs. Francis B. Carter, Mrs. Mary Amelia Avard, Mr. Angus McQueen Avard, Mrs. Louisa M. A. Dixon, Mr. James Carter Avard and Miss Martha Jane Avard. This Church will never cease to be grateful to these parents for their children who have served nobly and faithfully our Church. Dedicated March 11th, 1928.

 

The Soldier Memorial Window    Top
The first panel contains the images of a torch and a wreath, with the inscription, "That a man lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13). In memory of: James E. MacKinnon, Vaughn A. MacLellan, Hector R. MacQuarrie, Donald Young (1939 - 1945).

The middle panel shows an angle presenting a crown to a youth in armour, with the inscription, "Be thou faithful unto death and I will give you a crown of life (James 2:12). This panel was dedicated on march 4th 1928 and was given by the parents of fallen World War I soldier heroes. The inscription reads, "In grateful memory of the men who gave their lives in the Great War 1914 - 1918.
Lloyd Sands, A. Murray Curran, Ivan Carson, Harry B, Swetnam, William R. Scurr, Maxwell J. Stiles, John H. Patterson, George N. Gibson, Hordon H. Manning, John Cripps and Ivan Tuttle.

The third panel, a wreath and sword with the inscription, "Greater love hath no man than this (John 15:13). In memory of: Kenneth F. Beers, Robert Clark, Gilbert L. Cove, Raymond S. Elliott, Lorne H. Johnston and Stanley F. H. Kelley, 1939 - 1945.

 

Resurrection Window  Top

The Inscription reads: In Loving Memory of George Stewart, erected by his sisters. The First Panel depicts lilies wrapped in ribbon, with the words, Because I Live Ye Shall Live Also (John 14: 19). The Inscription reads, In Loving Memory of John Stewart and Annie Jane Bradley Stewart, by their six children: Jean McNairn, Frances McWilliam, Grace Barss, George Stewart, Annie Harvey, Jessie Stewart. The Second Panel depicts an Angel and the words, He Is Risen. This Panel portrays the message and mission of the Gospel and the church, that of The Resurrection (Matt. 28:6). Fear not ye for I know that ye seek Jesus. (Matt. 28:5). The Inscription reads, In Memory of Daniel MacNaughton and Mary Miller MacNaughton, his wife, given by their children. The Third Panel depicts lilies wrapped in ribbon with the words, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life (John 3:15). The Second and Third Panels of this window were dedicated October 15th, 1939. The Tracery above this window was dedicated in 1962 by Mrs. Annie Harvey, Miss Jessie Stewart, and Miss Isabel MacNaughton.

 

Kingston, Arthur and Cochrane Memorial Windows  Top
This is the First Window on the left side of the church. The First Panel Inscription reads, To the glory of God and in honour of Paul Stewart Kingston, and wife Mary Alice Kingston.  This Panel depicts: the Parable of The Talents or Pounds, --(Matt.:25:14 - 30). "Well done good and faithful servant". Mr. P. S. Kingston was a member of Quarterly Official Board, was Secretary of the Session when it was organized during the Pastorate of Rev. Mr. Harold Tomkinson (later referred to as Clerk of Session), elected to the Trustee Board. He was given special recognition on his Fiftieth Anniversary as teacher and officer in the Sunday School, October 1962. Also active on Presbytery and Conference Levels. Mrs. Mary Alice Kingston was a Sunday School Teacher and a member of the W. M. S. Mrs. Kingston died in 1969. Mr. Kingston died in 1984. This Panel was unveiled on June 17th, 1979.

The Second Panel Inscription reads, To the Glory of God and In Memory of Harry Osburne Arthur, and Georgina (Daisy) Sinclair Arthur. This Panel depicts Christ Blessing the Children (Mark 10:16). Mr. Arthur was Chairman of the Committee of Stewards, also an Elder, a member of the Finance Committee when the present church was erected. He took part in the mortgage-burning ceremonies in 1949. He was a man of deep faith and loyalty. Mrs. Arthur was a member of the U. C. W. Mr. & Mrs. H. O. Arthur were v very dedicated couple, active in the erection of this present building and for thirty years afterwards. Mr. Arthur died in 1958. Mrs. Arthur died in 1973. Dedicated on April 21st, 1974, with close friends Mr. & Mrs. Don MacDougall sharing in the ceremony.

The Third Panel Inscription reads, To the glory of God and In Loving Memory of Thomas H. Cochrane. "Not my will but Tine be done" (Luke 22:42). This Panel depicts Christ praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, an orchard of olive trees at the foot of the Mount of Olives. Mr. Cochrane was a member of the Choir, and gave many years of devoted service and witness to the church. Mr. Cochrane died in 1970. Dedicated and presented by his sister Jennie (Cochrane) Trites to the Glory of God and the beautifying of the sanctuary, on October 22nd, 1978.

Carson and Walker Memorial Windows  Top
 This is the Second Window on the left side of the church. The Inscription reads, "Given in Memory of Heber Amasa Carson and Leora Abigail Carson, by their children: Lloyd, Arthur, Ivan, Irene, Margaret, Alice."
 

The First Panel depicts Luke, The Beloved Physician. Saint Luke was known as the patron saint of artists and physicians. He is believed to be the only Gentile contributor to the New Testament. Luke's Gospel repeatedly stressed the humanity and compassion of Jesus.  Heber A. Carson was a Charter Member of Wesley Memorial; he taught Sunday School, was an Elder and active in the Men's Club. He retired from the Board December 3rd, 1934. The Inscription reads, Suffer little children to come unto me (Mark: 10:14). In loving memory of Samuel Wesley Carson and Sarah Jane Percy Carson, given by their children.

The Second Panel depicts Jesus' love for children. They symbolised a purity, an innocence, a trust, a humanity, and a faith. Jesus saw in children the attributes we must all possess in order to enter the Kingdom. Jesus believed that children were more profound and made a far greater witness than many adults of his day. Dedicated February 18th, 1962.

The Third Panel Inscription reads, Be strong, fear not. (Deut. 31:6). In Loving Memory of William Alfred Walker and his wife, Edith Rebecca, placed here by their children, Dr. Leslie Walker and Mrs. Betty Walker O'Hanley. This Panel depicts Jesus standing with his right hand pointing to Heaven, giving a blessing to the world. His two fingers and thumb symbolising the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Mr. Walker was a member of Wesley Memorial's Official Board and the Board of Stewards.

Bullen, Addy/Trim and Trites Memorial Windows  Top
  This is the Third Window on the left side of the church. The First Panel Inscription reads, To the Glory of God and In Loving Memory of Wm. Ernest Bullen, erected by his wife, Rose Ellen and family, Gwendolyn, Edythe and Arthur. This Panel depicts Jesus saying, ``I am the Way, the Truth and the Life''. (John: 14:6). W. E. Bullen was appointed as a Local Preacher in March 1926, was a member of the Session of Wesley Memorial in 1933; and a member of the Official Quarterly Board in 1942. Unveiled on July 9th, 1944.

The Second Panel Inscription reads, In Loving Memory of Wm. Edward Addy and his beloved wife, Sarah Jane Trimm, erected by their nine children in 1944. This Panel -- Behold I stand at the door and knock-- (Rev. 3:20). This Panel depicts Jesus knocking upon the door of our homes and our minds and souls; if we open the door He will come in. The decision to accept Christ must be ours, otherwise His coming has little meaning. William Addy was a member of the Official Quarterly Board.

The Third Panel, In Loving Memory of Thomas Arthur Trites, 1967 - 1933, erected by the family. The Inscription reads, ``Behold, a sower went forth to sow'' (Matt. 13:3). This panel depicts Jesus the Sower, who sows God's message, teaching us to be like the seeds sown in good soil, listen to His message, accept it and good will prevail. Thomas Trites served on the Official Board of Wesley Memorial and was a member of the Sunday School Committee. Thomas Arthur Trites 1867 - 1933.

Wyse, Tomkinson and Builders of Wesley Memorial Windows  Top
This is the Fourth Window on the left side of the church. This Window consists of three panels. The First Panel Inscription reads, Erected by his family to the Glory of God, and In Loving Memory of Robert Nicholson Wyse, one of the builders of this church. This Panel depicts St. James. St. James, according to tradition was the half-brother of Jesus. After Pentecost he became acknowledged leader of the church in Jerusalem. Mr. R. N. Wise was Chairman of the Building Fund Finance Committee, Elder, Steward, and Treasurer of Wesley Memorial Church. He laid the cornerstone of our present church. A sterling silver trowel was presented to Mr. Wyse at this ceremony. Robert Nicholson Wyse 1860 - 1952.

The Second Panel Inscription reads, To the glory of God and In Loving Memory of Rev. Harold Tomkinson. His monument you see about you, erected by his wife, daughters and friends in this Church. This Panel depicts Jesus holding the cup and saying, ``This do in Remembrance of Me'' (1 Cor. 11:25). Rev. Mr. Harold Tomkinson was born in England in 1885. He was elected to the Pastorate of Wesley Memorial Church at an Official Board Meeting on April 21st, 1926. He served in this capacity from August 1926 - June 1931. Harold Tomkinson 1885 - 1944.
 

The Third Panel Inscription reads, Erected by their families To the Glory of God and In Loving Memory of: Ivey F. Avard, G. Albert McWilliam, Walter MacF. Burdon, Harry C. Morison, John A. Coates, William Murray, Roland Dinney, H. Havelock Warman, Richard G. Jefferson, W. Thomas Sands, William P. Kirby, M.D., Some of the builders of this Church. This Panel Depicts Jesus with a lamb at his feet and his instructions to ``Feed My Sheep.'' (John 21:16). In many passages where the word ``Feed'' occurs, the expressive original word means ``Be a Shepherd To''. This panel was dedicated on November 12th, 1961.

 

The History of the Stained Glass Memorial Windows of Wesley Memorial United Church was compiled by members of the Marguerite Harvey Unit 2, United Church Women to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Wesley Memorial United Church, November 3rd, 1991.  Top

Copyright © 2003 by Wesley Memorial United Church.
All rights reserved.  Revised: Wednesday December 10, 2008 03:32 PM.