Twenty-five years passed between the time the Balcony Window was reserved and a memorial window was installed and dedicated in that space. In January 1939, Vestry was asked “to approve of, and order the reservation of the space at the South end of the church above the Front doors, for the erection, at some time in the future, of a memorial window.” The donor desired “The Ascension of our Blessed Lord in Heaven to be the subject depicted in stained glass.”
At Vestry in January 1963, the Rector reported on the bequest from the estate of Mrs. Christian, which allowed for the commission and installation of that memorial window over the front doors. The window was dedicated on March 8th, 1964.
The scene falls naturally into two zones, an upper heavenly part and a lower earthly part. The circular window above depicts an angel holding the golden crown of life. The main panels show Christ ascending, flanked by angels, one with a banner reading “Praise the Lord,” the other with a banner reading “For the Lord is Good.” The lower earthbound scene features the Virgin Mary, who is traditionally placed at the centre of the grouping, with her head bowed. She is surrounded by the upward-looking apostles.
“Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.
To the glory of God and in loving memory of Arthur Edward Christian who died July 4, 1931.
And his wife Clarissa Elmina Christian who died July 6, 1962.”
