'St John and St George'

2017

Design by Deb Lowe

610mm wide x 2130mm (each light)

This window is a gift to St John’s Church by Lord Waddington a son of the village. The motto in his Coat of Arms reads ‘Deus Noster Refugium Et Virtus' (God is our refuge and strength) and saints and symbols have been chosen that embody this.

Left Light

The figure of St John the Evangelist

One of the earliest of Jesus’ disciples he holds staff to symbolise his journey with Jesus and his mission afterwards. He holds a gospel to represent his authorship. The cover is embellished with an eagle, traditionally used as his symbol, in the style of an illuminated manuscript.

At the top of the light is the Coat of Arms of Lord Waddington, showing the coronet of a baron and the Grand Cross of the Victorian Order.

At the base of the light is a view of St John’s Church in grisaille surrounded by red roses, the emblem of Lancashire.

Right Light

The figure of St George

The patron Saint of England he holds a lance and a shield with the Cross of St George to reference the legend of the slaying of the dragon and the battle of good against evil.

At the top of the light is the Coat of Arms of Bermuda where Lord Waddington was Governor from 1992 -1997.

At the base of the light is a view of Lord Waddington’s childhood home the Old Vicarage in Read. It is depicted in grisaille and surrounded by boughs of native British oak. The oak appears throughout British history and folklore, was used for its ships and houses and has come to represent strength and fortitude. The image of a mighty oak growing from a small acorn has inspired for generations.

There is an inscription at the base of each light.

St John's Church, Read