The Stained Glass Windows

An integral part of the dedication of Canadian Memorial Church as a national memorial to peace are the stained glass windows.

The windows can be grouped as follows:

• The All-Canada Window (main entrance)
• The Provincial and Territorial Windows (sides)
• The Chancel Window (front)
• The Memorial Windows (new photos of the Nurse, Airman, Sailor and Soldier windows, in detail, have been added in 2005).

We now have a new CD-ROM showing all the windows with full commentary.  This graphic from the CD-ROM shows how you can navigate around all the windows. Click on the image for a larger version.  In addition, each window can be viewed in detail, with descriptions of the history, the biblical story and a contemporary commentary.

Copies of this CD are available for purchase in the office (unfortunately, is not Mac compatible).

All-Canada Window

Over the main entrance to the church this window bears the inscription, "This window is erected in honour of all men and women of Canada who endured service in the World War."

The central figure is Miss Canada, depicted as an angelic visitor, holding in her left hand the symbol of peace and in her right hand the laurel wreath, committed to the ideal that "right not might shall rule the world."  The historical events are the death of Wolfe on the plains of Abraham in 1759, the coming of Jacques Cartier, the return of the United Empire Loyalists, the founding of Fort Garry (Winnipeg), and the driving of the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway at Craiglachie, BC.

Provincial and Territorial Windows

The Provincial Windows were dedicated at an evening service in December 1928.  Each portrays a biblical scene, beneath which appears the coat of Arms of the province concerned flanked by scenes which reflect its early history.  A passage of Scripture, appropriate to the Biblical theme is shown at the bottom and separate plates list the names of respective contributors.  The Provincial Windows are of equal size and follow sequence planned by Dr. Fallis.

British Columbia Window

(right - BC window
left - historic detail in BC window)

"A Soldier's Faith" portrayed by a majestic Christ, meeting the Roman Centurion who pleads on behalf of his palsied servant.  The historic panels show Simon Fraser exploring Fraser River in 1808, and Captain Vancouver at Nootka Sound.

Alberta Window

"The Vision of Democracy" portrays the prophet inspiring his followers, designed to symbolize a warless world.  The historical events are The Great March of the Northwest Mounted Police, 1874, and the arrival of Sir George Simpson at a Hudson's Bay fort.

Saskatchewan Window

"Peter's Vision," symbolizing universal brotherhood.  The historical events which flank Saskatchewan's Coat of Arms portray the surrender at Batoche in 1885, and the Indian Buffulo hunt.

Manitoba Window

"Jacob Mourning for Joseph," symbolizing a nation's sorrow.  The historical events show La Verendrye building Fort Rouge in 1738, and the trial of Thomas Scott by Louis Riel in 1870.

Ontario Window

(right)

"The Nativity," (right) which symbolizes "A Call to Peace."  The historical scenes depict Champlain planting the French flag at Georgian Bay in 1615 and Tecumseh declaring his alliance with the British in 1812. 

Quebec Window

 "The Call of the Disciples."  Symbolizing enlistment, comprises the Biblical theme.  The historical events which flank Quebec's Coat of Arms are Maissoneuve landing on the island of Montreal in 1642, and Frontenac making a treaty with the Aboriginal people.

New Brunswick Window

 (left)

"The Sermon on the Mount."  This theme portrays Christ giving His benediction to the workers for Peace.  The historical events are the coming of the United Empire Loyalists in 1783, and La Tour building his fort at St. Jean, NB.

Nova Scotia Window

"Immortality" - symbolized by the Empty Tomb of the Risen Lord.  The historical panels depict the landing of Cabot in 1497 and the Decree of Expulsion of the Acadians in 1755.

Prince Edward Island Window

"David and his Valiant Soldiers," symbolizing the sacrifice made by Canada's service men and women.  The historical events portray the landing of Jacques Cartier in 1543 and the coming of Lord Rollo in 1759.

Yukon Window

(right)

"A Symbol of Comradeship."  A Biblical scene that portrays Jonathan and David making a covenant.  The historical panels depict the Chilkoot Pass, of Gold Rush fame, in 1898, and the Royal Mail - Dog Train and carriole.

Chancel Window

(below)

Erected by Mrs. CW Rogers whose late husband brought loving service to Canadian service personnel in World War I.  This window contains two motifs, sacrifice and youth.  The central figure is Christ on the cross with a grapevine in the background, both being symbols of sacrifice.  On the immediate left is the figure of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and on the right is the disciple John.  On the extreme left with a sling in his hand is David, the shepherd lad, and on the extreme right, Timothy in full armour, symbolic of the armour of God.  The bottom panels depict Samuel being anointed by Eli, and Stephen, the first Christian martyr, being crowned.  Between these panels is the Last Supper.

Memorial Windows

Located in the Narthex (or vestibule) to the Church, they commemorate the various services of Canadians who gave their lives in the First World War.  Below are the windows over the front doors, with references to "Peace", "Justice" and "Victory".

The Nurse

(left - click on image to enlarge)

Erected by the Nursing Sisters of World War I this window is held in special regard by the congregation at Canadian Memorial.  For years surviving members of the Nursing Sisters have attended Remembrance Day service in a body.

The Airman

(right above - click on image to enlarge)

Erected by Mr. William Poulton to honour the hundreds of young Canadians who gave their lives in flimsy aircraft with the RFC or the RNAS - or latter when these two fledgling services were joined to form the RAF.

The Sailor

(left - click on image to enlarge)

Erected by Mr. William Poulton as a tribute to the many young Canadians who lost their lives on the high seas while serving in Canada's young navy.

The Soldier

(right - click on image to enlarge)

Erected by the Amputations Association of Canada on behalf of their many members who, throughout their remaining years, have given visible evidence of their contribution to the cause of freedom.

Tim VanOstrand has provided us with some new photographs of details from the windows shown below (click to enlarge).