Chapel Stained Glass Windows
The Chapel is home to twelve stained glass windows, created by Napoleon Lyons between 1902 and 1942, and originally housed in the former St. James Anglican Church (Broad Street) in Saint John, NB. These windows were a gift from the Anglican Diocese of Fredericton. Following restoration by master stained-glass artist and conservator Ned Bowes, BA ’73, they were installed in 2022.
The individual windows are here described beginning with the panel at the back of the chapel (nearest the door) on the west side, and proceeding around the chapel clockwise.
Panels 1 and 2
Panel 1
“Jesus at the door”. Production date 1902. Jesus is pictured knocking on a door which represents the human heart. It is the believer’s job to open the door when the Lord knocks.
Dedication: To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of Annie Louise, wife of Irving B. Murray.
Panel 2
“In the Garden.” Christ is pictured in the Garden of Gethsemane with two companions. The woman in the foreground is probably the Blessed Virgin Mary; the man behind her might be the Apostle James.
Dedication: To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of James and Isabella Burns and their daughter Annie Eliza Marshall.
Panels 3 and 4
Panel 3
“Jesus walks on water”. Production date 1930. This window depicts the gospel story of Matthew 14. 25-33: ‘Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”’
Dedication: To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of Robert Murray and Sarah, his wife. Erected by their children.
Panel 4
“Jesus on the seashore with disciples”. This window, featuring a fishing net in the foreground, may represent the call of the Apostles Peter and Andrew. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus comes upon them fishing and says: ‘“Come, follow me […] and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.’ (4.19-20)
Dedication: To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of George G. Gregory, born May 6, 1864, died March 29, 1930, and his wife Marion, born February 6, 1866, died September 24, 1942.
Panel 5 and 6
Panel 5
“Jesus with Mary of Bethany at the home of Mary and Martha”. This window depicts the story (also from the Gospel of John) which is recounted in Luke 10.38-42: ‘As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”’
Dedication: To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of Margaret, wife of George Bridges, died November 18, 1912. Erected by her husband.
Panel 6
“Jesus the Light of the World” (cf. John 8.12). Production date 1907.
Dedication: To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of John E. Turnbull and his wife Ann.
Panels 7 and 8
Panels 7 and 8
“Jesus with the Little Children”. Jesus’ care for little children is attested in all three synoptic gospels, including Mark 10.13-16: ‘People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.’
Dedication: To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of William and Sarah Duffell, and their children, Joseph, Henry, and Fanny Sharp. Erected 1913.
Panels 9 and 10
Panels 9 and 10
“The Evangelists Matthew and John”. These two windows would originally have been part of a set of four, along with the other two Evangelists, Mark and Luke. Each Evangelist holds the gospel which he wrote. John holds a feather quill because of his traditional symbolic association with the Eagle (cf. Ezekiel 1.10); he is also portrayed in keeping with tradition as a beardless youth.
Dedication, Panel 9: To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of Samuel T. Vaughan, died September 17, 1909. Erected by his children.
Dedication, Panel 10: To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of J. Osborne Charlton, died July 4, 1905. Erected by his mother.
Panels 11 and 12
Panels 11 and 12
“The Adoration of the Child Jesus by the Shepherds”. Production date 1911. These panels depict several features of the beloved nativity story from Luke 2.1-20, including the shepherds, stable, manger, star and heavenly host. In the background, the ox and ass look on (cf. also Isaiah 1.3).
Dedication: To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of John M. Anderson. Dedicated by his wife.