Memorial Window

During Open Doors weekend this year, we welcomed over 40 people to English Presbyterian Church, Ruthin. A noted feature of the church is the number of memorial windows. Martin Crampin’s Stained Glass from Welsh churches (2014) includes two examples and states that the windows juxtapose figures and Biblical texts—and although delineated with a bold clarity of line characteristic of more modern stained glass in Welsh churches, are rare in Nonconformist places of worship. A set of windows, 1959-61, were designed by Williams & Watson, Glass and Glazing of Liverpool. In 1958 the church received an unexpected legacy from Maria Jones of Liverpool; in addition to modernization of the interior of the church It was decided to design the East window in memory of a previous minister, Revd Herbert Lewis Morris The East window was dedicated in 1959. The centre panel of the window depicts Christ as the Light of the World and the two side panels contain the motifs of the Presbyterian Church and the World Council of Churches (Ecumenical Movement). Further memorial windows followed, with themes requested by relatives of church members. On the north side is a window (1959) in memory of William and Elinor Roberts of Dolafon! Prior Street. It depicts the story of Martha and Mary from Luke's Gospel.

The adjacent window is in memory of Revd Ivor Platt (minister 1957-62). It depicts the Good Shepherd and gives thanks for his pastoral work. The Clwydian Hills can be seen through the windows on the south side of the church and gave inspiration to people. Two windows were dedicated in 1961; one in memory of Edith Evans JR Sunday School teacher, organist and elder. It depicts the church, the monogram WVS (Women's Voluntary Service) and the motto of Denbighshire County Council, “Dew a Digon”. The other is in memory of John and Clara Roberts of Castle Street. It includes a verse from Psalm 121: I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills. The windows dated 1959-61were dedicated by Revd Ivor Platt who said that they added beauty to the sanctuary of the church and proclaimed a message from the Blble. A 1986 window is in memory of Pearl Mary Shingles, wife of Ray Shingles, author of the centenary history of the church in the same year. There ars two contrasting recent adjacent windows, one depicts Klng David and bright colours of the rainbow, the other has pastel colours of the landscape and the words, 'Be Still and Know That I am God'.

David Castledine reveals as interesting history of a window at the English Presbyterian church