Stained Glass Outside the Sanctuary

Metropolitan has three pictorial windows located in the church building, but not in the sanctuary. Because of their placements, it is entirely possible that even long-standing members and adherents have not seen the three, two of which are in the south vestibules, and the third in the church office.

Inside the south-west doors, on the north wall, is a single lancet created in abstract style. A plaque on the window ledge indicates that it is dedicated “to the glory of God” and is a gift of the artist Doreen Balabanoff. It was installed in 1979.

Metropolitan’s most recent stained glass was installed in 1987. It fills the transom in the window above the east entrance. It is the “Creation” window, designed by the Junior Division and Met Youth of our Sunday school, under the direction of local stained glass artist Ted Goodden. There are seven medallions. Each one presents in bold colours one of the seven days of creation as told in Genesis Chapter 2. Smaller medallions accompany the designs with text. Follow the story from north to south, from “Let there be light” to “the Holy Day of Rest.”

The first known installation of a painted pictorial window in Metropolitan was painted and installed by a local glass artist, A.E. St.George in 1902. We see Christ receiving and blessing the children. It is dedicated “to the memory of Clarence Wilfred St.George who died in his sixth year on May 9, 1901.” The presumption is that the small boy was a family member, and perhaps even the artist’s son.

This window has never been moved, but owing to building renovations, what began in the infant classroom next appeared in the ladies’ washroom, and now shines on our church office staff.

Where will Christ show up next?

-RW