Stained Glass Windows
At the time of the Consecration in 1902, it is probable that most if not all of the windows were of plain glass, as some of those in the chancel and transept still are. All were installed within the first 25 years of completion of the building so while none are likely original they can all be considered contemporary.
The many stained glass windows surrounding the Aisle were given in memory of various parishioners, each illustrating a different saint and incorporating an appropriate description.
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Bethesda
This window, found on the North side of the Aisle, shows the 'angel of the waters ' refers to the healing of the paralytic at Bethesda, a story from the Gospel of John about an angel blessing the Pool of Bethesda, giving it healing powers. The scripture below reads "And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations" and is taken from The Book of Revelation Chapter 22, verse 2
The dedication reads "To the Glory of God and in loving memory of Alfred Markwick MD who passed to his rest 12 March 1887"
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St George
St George, patron saint of England since the fourteenth century, and the warrior saint is depicted on a window on the north side of the church.
The upper section of the window shows George poised with his shield and sword as he slays the dragon. The lower portion of the window includes a dedication "To the glory of God and to the dear memory of Admiral Sir George Lambart Atkinson-Willes KCB. Fell asleep Christmas Day 1921" and the coat of arms of the Atkinson-Willes family.
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St Margaret of Antioch
A window depicting St Margaret on the north side of the Church, is dedicated to another Margaret, a young Margaret Stewart Glennie. The inscription reads "To the Glory of God and in loving memory of Margaret Stewart Glennie who fell asleep on the Feast of the Epiphany 1895 aged 15 years."
There are many legends surrounding St Margaret but many attest that she was the daughter of a pagan priest at Antioch. Converted to Christianity by her nurse, she was then driven from home by her father. She became a shepherdess and when she spurned the advances of Olybrius, a Roman official, he charged her with being a Christian, had her tortured and imprisoned. While in prison she had an encounter with the devil in the form of a dragon. According to the legend, the dragon swallowed her whole, but the cross she carried in her hand so irritated his throat that he was forced to disgorge her. The window shows Margaret at the moment before she is swallowed alive by the dragon - unafraid and holding the crucifix that will save her.
Faith is an appropriate legend, given the many who converted to Christianity after witnessing her testimony.
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Of such is the kingdom of heaven
The inscription reads "To the glory of God and to the beloved memory of Alice Margaret Allen 23rd December 1908 to 1st May 1912"
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St Michael
Michael, leader of the Archangels, is shown in this window located on the south side of the church with his shield, staff and golden wings. The defeat of Satan told in the Book of Revelation (Chapter 12 verses 7-12) is symbolically represented by the caged dragon on Michael's shield.
The lower portion of the window contains a dedication which reads: "To the glory of God and the dear memory of George Atkinson-Willes Capt 8th Hussars who fell asleep 27th August 1923 + I thank my God upon every remembrance of you" and incorporates the familial coat of arms.
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Angel of Resurrection
He is Risen - This window on the south side of the church depicts a winged figure with arm raised. The Angel of the Resurrection says to the Marys at the tomb where they seek their crucified Lord, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said" (Matthew Chapter 28, verse 6).
The window bears the Easter acclamation. "Alleluia. He is Risen."
The dedication reads "To the glory of God and to the dear memory of Mary H Mott who lived for 35 years at Grayswood House. This window is dedicated by her children 1903".
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Elizabeth of Hungary
This window is found in the north of the Chancel and depicts St Elizabeth of Hungary.
Elizabeth is perhaps best known for her Miracle of the roses which can be seen in the window. While taking bread to the poor in secret, she met her husband Ludwig on a hunting party. Ludwig, to quell suspicions of the gentry that she was stealing treasure from the castle, asked her to reveal what was hidden under her cloak. In that moment, her cloak fell open and a vision of white and red roses could be seen, which proved to Ludwig that God's protecting hand was at work.
The dedication reads "To the Glory of God and in memory of Marianne Elizabeth Mort. This window is placed by her sons"