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On entering St. Michael's Church in the morning, ones eyes are drawn up to the magnificent three-light stained glass window. The window was a gift from Robert and Joanna Barr Smith in memory of Joanna's brother George and his wife Jane. The Barr Smiths were personal friends of the Clampetts and great supporters of St. Michael's. The inscription reads "To the Glory of God and in loving memory of George and Jane Elder", and was designed by the famous English firm of Morris & Company, and was made by Powell & Sons, London. The centre window represents Our Lord as the Shepherd of Paradise, with a crook in His hand and standing on a mound with four streams issuing, representing the four rivers of Eden, man's first paradise. At His feet are sheep, and in the Saviour's left hand is a scroll, with the words, "There shall be one fold and one Shepherd". Underneath the figure of our Lord, which is so exquisite a work, are two angels, beautifully designed, holding a scroll, with the words, "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want". The northern light is a bold representation of Michael, the Archangel, clad as a warrior. In one hand he is holding holding scales, which help us to remember him as the Angel of Judgement for Israel. In the southern light there is a beautifully soft portrayal of the Archangel Gabriel, the Angel of the Annunciation, with pure white lilies in his hand. Above and below, in the tracery of the lower panels, are angels with traditional instruments of praise, together with foliage in rich and harmonius combination. The whole is a striking and beautiful study. The holy faces look down upon one with solemn meaning, each one speaking its own lesson, suggesting its own council, and, above all, does the Shepherd of Paradise speak of days yet to come, when 'the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our Lord and of this Christ', when all, at last, yet all shall be gathered in.
The window was unveiled and dedicated on Advent Sunday, December 1st, 1901. |