Windows on the past Part 1 by Bill Simpson
All over the world, churches are repositories of local history as well as places of worship, and Glencoe is no different. St John’s Anglican has its share of memorials and markers of personal and public history. This is the first of a series of posts about these. As a recent newcomer to Glencoe, I am likely to be unaware of facts and details about this church, window and Anna Moss which are otherwise common knowledge. Please let me know these so I can add them to this record. – Bill Simpson
There has been a St John’s Anglican Church at the corner of Main Street and Concession Drive since 1869. This building was replaced in 1893 with the current structure, depicted in the postcard shown below, with a current view beside it.
The window
The Chancel at St John’s would probably have originally been fitted with a stained glass window with a colored geometric pattern. The unexpected death of a much-loved and respected member of the congregation triggered the purchase and fitting of this beautiful new window.
The window is set in the Chancel, the area of the church that contains the altar located at the western end. The window depicts the Ascension to heaven of Jesus, a common subject for a window above the altar.
The window is carefully designed and executed to create both a beautiful image and to lay out the essential elements of the event. In the foreground are the eleven awestruck apostles, painted in simple bright colors that differentiate them clearly from the unearthly pastels used for Jesus and the angels, who are further framed within the tracery (stone framework) of the window. Note also the bright green of the trees that balances the image and forms the break between earth and heaven.
The window glows brightly even on the gloomiest day, and, located as it is in the chancel above the altar, is constantly in view by the congregation.
The window was created by and unknown artist working for Hobbs of London, who were one of the leading manufacturers of stained glass windows in Ontario for domestic, industrial and church installations. The signature on the bottom right is not always there on a window but is in this case:
Window is dedicated to the organist, Mrs. Moss
The window was dedicated to the memory of Anna Moss who died suddenly after playing the organ on Sunday. She was 47. Anna was the organist at St John’s and was the prime mover in getting the pipe organ paid for and installed. Her unexpected death is recorded in the Glencoe Transcript on July 1st 1915: Call Came Suddenly
Mrs Moss Taken Ill at Church and Dies Shortly After
“Glencoe and vicinity was startled on Sunday by the unexpected death of Mrs. Moss, wife of the well known barrister, Wm.D.Moss of the firm of Elliott and Moss.
Mrs Moss was in her usual good health on Sunday forenoon when she taught her class in Sunday Schools and attended services in St John’s Church. In fact she had remarked to her friends how well she was feeling. After service Mrs Moss was with the choir practicing the anthem “Jesus, Lover of My Soul” for the evening service, when she took a severe pain in the head and immediately became unconscious. She was taken to her home, where she expired about an hour later rallying.
Mrs Moss was formerly Miss Anna Simpson and was born in Glencoe about 47 years ago and had lived here all her life. Her father was the late James Simpson, who died several years ago. Her father was the late James Simpson, who died several years ago. Her mother has been residing with the since the father’s death. She leaves her bereaved mother and husband and a family of two sons and two daughter.
A lady greatly esteemed for her pleasing personality and interest manifested in church work and other good causes, her death, so untimely and sad, will be deeply regretted by all.
The funeral took place yesterday afternoon, service being at St John’s church and interment at Oakland cemetery
This brass plate is on the Reredos (altar back panel):
