The most southerly window on the east wall of the church was installed and dedicated in 1970 in memory of William Clarence Town and Georgina Isabelle Phillips Town. The window beautifully depicts the Adoration of the Shepherds.
Georgina Isabelle Phillips 1895-1957
“And the Word was made Flesh, and dwelt among us.” ~ John 1:14
Notice how the posture of Mary, in traditional blue, in the right-hand panel is mirrored in the stance of the shepherd, also in blue, in the left panel. The shepherd cradles a lamb in his arms in a way that echoes Mary’s tender grasp on the Christ child. Often in depictions of the Adoration of the Shepherds, a lamb is depicted as if sleeping at the foot of the manger to symbolize the slain Lamb of God. Here the lamb in the foreground looks alert and adoring as if to remind us to be like the Bethlehem shepherds who eagerly went to see and hear and rejoice in the birth of our Saviour. The lamp, just above Joseph’s shoulder, is the traditional symbol of wisdom and the search for faith.
In the circular window above, the star of Bethlehem is featured, set in eye-catching strips of varying shades of blue, and surrounded by seven stars, perhaps the seven stars that are the angels (messengers) of the Book of Revelation, which are a sign that we should walk steadfastly with God.
Mr. Town, a funeral director, moved his family to Whitby from Brockville in 1927 and established his business on Brock Street South. From that time until their deaths, Mr. and Mrs. Town were faithful servants of both the parish church of All Saints’ Church and the town of Whitby.
They were most generous with their time and treasures and left a legacy to All Saints’, not only in gifts that are still used in the church today, but also in a family of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who continue to worship at and contribute to the life of this church.
The Town family and the beautiful Adoration window were recognized in our service on Janury 17 as part of our 150th anniversary celebrations.