The Good Shepherd Window

The three large lights in the east gallery, often known as The Good Shepherd Windows, are works of the Hobbs Manufacturing Company.  As with all of Hobbs’ work for Metropolitan, the windows show intricate detail, subdued and almost heavenly colours, and present humans in a standing position, often in majestic places such as medieval porches and galleries.

The gallery wall lights depict Jesus caring for his lambs, his flock. The stable behind is solid masonry, with a solid wooden door.  There are lush gardens and meadows; surely this care is bountiful.  Jesus is in the middle light, filling the frame, robed, and showing a halo.

Below the three windows, stretching across the light, are these words:  “He goeth before them and the sheep follow him because they know his voice”.

There are three, smaller lights beneath the triptych, but they are still commanding.  To the left is a scene of the unjust servant parable, where Jesus taught that we can not serve two masters.  The middle light is a scene from the Good Samaritan.  To the right is a depiction of the sower, spreading his message, and hoping for a rich harvest.

The three caregivers in the bottom three lights sport the same reddish robe that cloaks Jesus in the large lights – a regal red.  Those who care for others follow the footsteps of The Good Shepherd and tend to their flock.

The Good Samaritan light is dedicated to the loving memory of John and Dianna Waite.  The Unjust Steward light is a gift of Ada Cody, and the Sower light is a gift of Herbert Wilcox.

The installation date of this magnificent window is unknown.

-RW