Memorial Window
The Memorial Window
Originally the window featured simple geometric designs as in the southern window opposite. Following the Great War of 1914-18 this memorial window was commissioned and later installed in 1923, having been crafted in London.
The lists of those who were connected to first church and died in the war can be seen in the memorial plaque to the left of the window, above the organ console. Following the Second World War it was rededicated to include those who had perished in this later conflict. You also notice the flags, military colours of retired regiments from the Moro War and the two world wars which hang in the sanctuary.
The window features four scenes. Top left a Christian knight being prepared for battle flanked by three graces faith hope and love. Though ready for battle he will not overcome with power or violence.
Top Right – Christ and a guardian angel standing with two New Zealand soldiers the only contemporary element of the scene. One soldier kneels to receive a crown of glory, a reminder of the Christian hope that death was not triumph.
Bottom Left – Soldiers beating their swords into plowshares. The great peacemaking vision of Isaiah. Here we see the temporal hope of the congregation of first church the enduring hope for peace.
Bottom Right – An angel greets the shepherds, the war as we remembered and we are invited to lay down our weapons let them be refashioned into tool of peace for all of us.
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