The East Windows, given in memory of St. John's patron, William Nicholson Nicholson, who died in 1868, by his widow and children
A Brief History of Stained Glass
Stained glass, or coloured glass, has been used as architectural enhancements for well over a thousand years in Europe. The earliest glass artifacts dating from 1300BC were found in Egypt.
As techniques improved small pieces of coloured glass were joined together by strips of lead mounted onto a strong frame, hence the terms leaded lights or leaded glass.
The earliest pieces of stained glass were found at St. Paul's Monastery in Jarrow, UK and date from 686AD. A representation of the head of Christ was found in Germany dating back to the 10th century, this is the earliest known example depicting a human.
As the process of producing the stained glass improved, along with building techniques, its popularity increased and became widely used in cathedrals, abbeys and churches as attractive light sources and as ways of illustrating bible stories for the congregation. When St. John's was built in 1826 the windows were plain glass, the church was unadorned, as was the style at the time. By the late 1800s the church had been extended and the wealthy members of the congregation paid for stained glass windows as memorials for their loved ones. These glorious windows were deeply appreciated by the members of the congregation and visitors until they left the building in 2007. These windows are still in place. I include some examples of St. John's stained glass windows below.
As techniques improved small pieces of coloured glass were joined together by strips of lead mounted onto a strong frame, hence the terms leaded lights or leaded glass.
The earliest pieces of stained glass were found at St. Paul's Monastery in Jarrow, UK and date from 686AD. A representation of the head of Christ was found in Germany dating back to the 10th century, this is the earliest known example depicting a human.
As the process of producing the stained glass improved, along with building techniques, its popularity increased and became widely used in cathedrals, abbeys and churches as attractive light sources and as ways of illustrating bible stories for the congregation. When St. John's was built in 1826 the windows were plain glass, the church was unadorned, as was the style at the time. By the late 1800s the church had been extended and the wealthy members of the congregation paid for stained glass windows as memorials for their loved ones. These glorious windows were deeply appreciated by the members of the congregation and visitors until they left the building in 2007. These windows are still in place. I include some examples of St. John's stained glass windows below.
The Willey Window
'To the Glory of God and in loving memory of 2nd Lieutenant Tom Willey 15th West Yorkshire Regiment, killed in France 1st of July 1916. "Faithful unto Death".' Further information on Tom Willey can be found by clicking the link below http://www.leeds-pals.com/soldiers/thomas-arthur-raymond-robert-ellicott-willey |
The Hudson Family Window
On the left side the theme of Pilgrim's Progress was erected by Henry Hudson and his children for the memory of Margaret Anne Hudson, his wife who died October 5th 1860 and Edwin H. Hudson, Lieutentant Royal Engineers, their second son who died August 12th 1870 aged 21 years. Erected Christmas 1870. The Ives Window
On the right side the Ives brothers are memorialized in a large stained glass window. 'In grateful and loving memory of Kenneth Hill Ives, of the 8th West Yorks. Regiment, who died 9th December 1914 aged 22 years. Also of his brother Derrick Ives R.N., Sub-Lieutenant H.M. Submarine H10, who died January 1918, aged 21 years. They died in Service of their Country.' This window was erected in 1936. Further information on these brothers can be found by clicking the link below. www.oakwoodchurch.info/Oak%20Leaves%20Part%201%20-%20They%20Died%20in%20the%20Service%20of%20their%20Country%20by%20Valerie%20Ives.pdf Derrick Ives, Lost at Sea the_ives_brothers.docx |
The Henry Hudson Window
"To the Glory of God and the beloved memory of Henry Hudson. Born A.D. 1811. Died A.D. 1891. Erected in 1893. Made by Messrs. Kayll andCompany, Leeds.
St. John is often shown with a book and quill pen drawing attention to the fact that he is the author of the final gospel.
The Thomas Davis Window
"In affectionate remembrance of Thomas Davis M.A. Incumbent of this Church for forty-eight years".
This stained glass window shows Simeon blessing the infant Jesus in the Temple. Present are Mary, Joseph and Anna.
The window was designed by Messrs. Heaton, Butler and Bayne, London. It was erected in 1889.
Thomas Davis was the Duchess of Cambridge's Great Great Great Grandfather.
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The Lupton West Window
This stained glass window shows Jesus receiving the children. It bears the
inscription, "In memory of Lucy Helen Lupton and Robert Bertram Lupton".
Photographs by Peter Oldfield, courtesy of the Oakwood Church website.
(Oakwood Church is not linked to the Friends of Roundhay St. John's and our views are not necessarily those of Oakwood Church).
Information: 'A History of St. John's Church Roundhay' by J. Dickinson and G.D. Webster.
(Oakwood Church is not linked to the Friends of Roundhay St. John's and our views are not necessarily those of Oakwood Church).
Information: 'A History of St. John's Church Roundhay' by J. Dickinson and G.D. Webster.