Windows of St John's

The Windows of St John's

The details relating to the stained glass windows is an abridged version of the research and writings of Phillip Harper who was a long time member of the congregation at St John's. Phillip has conducted many tours of the windows and given numerous talks. Phillip died in 2000. A full version of Phillip's work relating to the windows can be found in the book "A Church in the Park - celebrating 150 years of the Anglican Church of St John at Heidelberg", edited by Geoff and Elaine Smith, which can be purchased for $20 from the parish office.

King David

David was the apple of God's eye despite his many failings. His kingship was a golden age for Israel.

Erected in 1889 in memory of David Charteris McArthur, one of the first trustees of this church. The window was erected by his widow.

Aquila & Priscilla

Aquila & Priscilla were a husband and wife who preached the gospel with St Paul. Note Priscilla teaching in the lower panel.

Erected in 1890 by Mary Lucy and Edith Maude Martin in memory of their parents Robert William Kirkby Martin of Banyule Heidelberg, and his wife Mary McCrae Christie Martin. Robert Martin was the son of one of the first trustees of St John's in 1851.

The window was crafted by Brookes Robinson & Co, Melbourne.

The Good Samaritan

Jesus' best known parable, but originally with a shocking conclusion, as Samaritans were racially despised and distrusted.

The bottom panel of this window contain symbols of the patriarchal cross and the anchor - symbols of faith and hope. The main body of the window depicts the symbol of charity in the parable of the Good Samaritan. In this way the three Pauline virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity are portrayed.

Erected in 1894 by Elizabeth Galbraith James in memory of her husband, mother and uncle: Henry James, Agnes Jamieson, and David Pike Steel. Henry James was the first Medical Officer to be appointed to the Austin Hospital.

The window was designed by a British designer named Brown, and was crafted by Brooks Robinson & Co.

Zacharias and Elizabeth

Elizabeth and Zacharias were an elderly couple who gave birth to John the Baptist who prepared the way for Jesus.

This window was erected in 1897 in memory of Charles Maplestone of Ivanhoe Lodge and his wife Isabella Margaret, by their children. Charles and Isabella were earnest workers within the parish for 20 years. Isabella was the daughter of Captain Beale of St Helena.

St Cecilia

St Cecilia is the patron saint of music.

Erected in 1924 by parishioners and friends, in memory of Evelyn Maude Warry who for many years was a dedicated worker at St John's. Evelyn was the daughter of Henry James Price, who is commemorated in the St Paul window. Evelyn died giving birth to her second child.

The window was designed by George Palbey and produced by Brooks Robinson & Co.

The Light of the World

The window was designed by George Dancey, based on a painting by Holman Hunt, a member of the Pre-Raphaelite movement in the UK. The original painting is in St Paul's Cathedral, London. Jesus tells his followers that they too are lights to the world.

Erected in 1925 in memory of John & Fanny Wippell of Springfield Heidelberg, by their children. John & Fanny are buried in the old pioneer cemetery in Hawdon St Heidelberg.

St Paul

Paul here is a fearsome looking preacher but he preached the good news of God's love.

Erected in 1947 in memory of Henry James Price who was a church warden at St John's for many years, and a secretary of the shire of Heidelberg from 1895-1932.

The artist is unknown, but the window was crafted by Brooks Robinson & Co.

Mr Price wrote a history of the church in 1931 for the 80th anniversary. Sadly no copies of the book remain, though excerpts printed in local papers have been used in the book "A Church in the Park" referred to in the introduction at the top of this page.

Memorial Crucifixion Window

A frightening scene of the crucifixion with taunts being thrown at the dying Christ.

Erected in 1947 this window was given by parishioners during the incumbency of Rev Sydney Ball in memory of those who served, and in some instances gave their lives in World War 2.

The artist was a Melbourne artist, Napier Waller.

A plaque below the window records the names of those members of the parish who died in the 1939-45 conflict.

St Luke

Luke, a physician, wrote a gospel and continued the story in the Acts of the Apostles.

The most recent window, erected in 1994 in memory of the La Gerche family and Dr Hugh Johnston. The artists were Janusz and Magdalena Kuzbickie of Fairfield.

The La Gerche family have lived in the Ivanhoe area since 1910. Hugh Johnston was a physician married to Eugenie La Gerche. The window is appropriate since Luke was a Greek physician.

The Ascension Windows

Jesus leaves his followers to continue his work on earth and sits at God's right hand.

Erected in 1920 in memory of Thomas & Sarah Anne Wragge by their daughter Annie and their two sons Syd and Harry. Thomas and Sarah were worshippers at St John's for many years. Thomas Wragge owned the Yallambie Homestead, which was divided into three upon his death and given to his children.

The triptych window was designed by George Dancey and produced by Brooks Robinson & Co. This window when erected replaced an ornamental window dated 1892.

The main window shows Christ's ascension to heaven. The side panels show Mary and John.

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King David David was the apple of God's eye despite his many failings. His kingship was a golden age for Israel. Erected in 1889 in memory of David Charteris McArthur, one of the first trustees of this church. The window was erected by his widow.	Aquila & Priscilla Aquila & Priscilla were a husband and wife who preached the gospel with St Paul. Note Priscilla teaching in the lower panel. Erected in 1890 by Mary Lucy and Edith Maude Martin in memory of their parents Robert William Kirkby Martin of Banyule Heidelberg, and his wife Mary McCrae Christie Martin. Robert Martin was the son of one of the first trustees of St John's in 1851. The window was crafted by Brookes Robinson & Co, Melbourne.
The Good Samaritan Jesus' best known parable, but originally with a shocking conclusion, as Samaritans were racially despised and distrusted. The bottom panel of this window contain symbols of the patriarchal cross and the anchor - symbols of faith and hope. The main body of the window depicts the symbol of charity in the parable of the Good Samaritan. In this way the three Pauline virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity are portrayed. Erected in 1894 by Elizabeth Galbraith James in memory of her husband, mother and uncle: Henry James, Agnes Jamieson, and David Pike Steel. Henry James was the first Medical Officer to be appointed to the Austin Hospital. The window was designed by a British designer named Brown, and was crafted by Brooks Robinson & Co.	Zacharias and Elizabeth Elizabeth and Zacharias were an elderly couple who gave birth to John the Baptist who prepared the way for Jesus. This window was erected in 1897 in memory of Charles Maplestone of Ivanhoe Lodge and his wife Isabella Margaret, by their children. Charles and Isabella were earnest workers within the parish for 20 years. Isabella was the daughter of Captain Beale of St Helena.
St Cecilia St Cecilia is the patron saint of music. Erected in 1924 by parishioners and friends, in memory of Evelyn Maude Warry who for many years was a dedicated worker at St John's. Evelyn was the daughter of Henry James Price, who is commemorated in the St Paul window. Evelyn died giving birth to her second child. The window was designed by George Palbey and produced by Brooks Robinson & Co.	The Light of the World The window was designed by George Dancey, based on a painting by Holman Hunt, a member of the Pre-Raphaelite movement in the UK. The original painting is in St Paul's Cathedral, London. Jesus tells his followers that they too are lights to the world. Erected in 1925 in memory of John & Fanny Wippell of Springfield Heidelberg, by their children. John & Fanny are buried in the old pioneer cemetery in Hawdon St Heidelberg.
St Paul Paul here is a fearsome looking preacher but he preached the good news of God's love. Erected in 1947 in memory of Henry James Price who was a church warden at St John's for many years, and a secretary of the shire of Heidelberg from 1895-1932. The artist is unknown, but the window was crafted by Brooks Robinson & Co. Mr Price wrote a history of the church in 1931 for the 80th anniversary. Sadly no copies of the book remain, though excerpts printed in local papers have been used in the book "A Church in the Park" referred to in the introduction at the top of this page.	Memorial Crucifixion Window A frightening scene of the crucifixion with taunts being thrown at the dying Christ. Erected in 1947 this window was given by parishioners during the incumbency of Rev Sydney Ball in memory of those who served, and in some instances gave their lives in World War 2. The artist was a Melbourne artist, Napier Waller. A plaque below the window records the names of those members of the parish who died in the 1939-45 conflict.
St Luke Luke, a physician, wrote a gospel and continued the story in the Acts of the Apostles. The most recent window, erected in 1994 in memory of the La Gerche family and Dr Hugh Johnston. The artists were Janusz and Magdalena Kuzbickie of Fairfield. The La Gerche family have lived in the Ivanhoe area since 1910. Hugh Johnston was a physician married to Eugenie La Gerche. The window is appropriate since Luke was a Greek physician.
The Ascension Windows Jesus leaves his followers to continue his work on earth and sits at God's right hand. Erected in 1920 in memory of Thomas & Sarah Anne Wragge by their daughter Annie and their two sons Syd and Harry. Thomas and Sarah were worshippers at St John's for many years. Thomas Wragge owned the Yallambie Homestead, which was divided into three upon his death and given to his children. The triptych window was designed by George Dancey and produced by Brooks Robinson & Co. This window when erected replaced an ornamental window dated 1892. The main window shows Christ's ascension to heaven. The side panels show Mary and John.