(SMR 100)
(1) The memorial chancel windows of stained glass were erected in memory of those of the congregation who fell in the war and these were unveiled in March 1923.
Rev. Blair suggested the themes, which were: left window (a) “Our Lord’s devoting Himself to the supreme mission of His Life, turning his back on all the world’s allurements, resisting all temptation.” In the centre window (b) – “What this devotion cost, the sacrifice of Calvary, the dismay of His disciples”; and the right-hand window (c) – “Through Death to Victory, manifested by the empty tomb, but more in the living Christ’s presence with the disciples, in their joy and courage.” The windows thus represent the Temptation, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection.
(a) Jesus in white garments kneeling and looking into the face of a standing angel holding a slender staff with a cross finial in one hand and a scroll in the other. A golden coloured figure with green wings holds a crown and whispers over Christ’s shoulder – this is the devil making promises. In the pointed arch a seated angel holds an orb and sceptre. Near the bottom is a small circular inset picturing the Birth of Christ.
(b) Christ on the Cross wearing a loin cloth. He is not coloured except for his hair, contrasting with the purple-brown cross. Four colourful figures in the foreground include a kneeling woman having her hand held by a hooded standing man. On the right is a centurion with a pennant on his vertically held spear. Above the arch is filled by winged souls in a blue background.
(c) A white hooded Christ stands looking left with his right hand raised in blessing whilst five of the disciples look on. Above their heads are winged souls. The upper part of the light contains an armour plated angel crouching on one knee and resting on a sword – St Michael. The corresponding circle shows the empty tomb.
The colours are delicately balanced, with deeper tones in the centre window. The lettering is respectively: “For their sakes I sanctify Myself; Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”; and “Lo, I am with you always.
Designed by: Douglas Strachan.
(2) An extra window depicting St Cecelia, the patron saint of music, was inserted into the organ recess to be in-keeping with the rest.
Designed by: Douglas Strachan of Edinburgh.
(3) A glass memorial depicts the Resurrection, symbolising Christ’s message of hope to
the disciples – “Let not your heart be troubled. My Peace I give unto you” (John xiv). To express the celestial nature of the subject the colour scheme is mainly blue, the pale blue of the figure merging from the deeper blue of the aureole relieved with white stars. Above the figure is the Bird of the Holy Spirit, and on either side angels hold the cross of sacrifice and the crown of life. Two shields depicting the pelican feeding her young with her blood and the phoenix rising from the flames again symbolise sacrifice and renewed life. A small panel at the base of the window depicts the Annunciation to Mary.
The words quoted from the Scriptures above are inserted, and at the bottom of the window, which measures nine feet by three feet, is the inscription – “In loving memory of Thomas and Helen Manuel Ritchie. 1938”. The couple had been elders at the church for many years and it was erected by the family.
Designed by: William Wilson, 53 Frederick St, Edinburgh.
G.B. Bailey (2019)
Falkirk Local History Society 