The Great West Window has for its central feature an oval panel depicting the Nativity. Against the background of the stable we see the Holy Family. The Virgin, clothed in blue, is seated with the Infant Christ on her knee. Joseph, in a mulberry coloured robe, stands beside her looking down at the Child.
On either side of this panel are two angels robed in pearly gold and holding the Cross and Crown respectively. Beneath the central theme are four small medallions in subdued tones of green and red depicting scenes in the life of Our Lord: The Baptism of Christ; the failure of Peter's faith whilst walking on the Sea of Galilee; the raising of Jairus' daughter; Christ carrying His Cross.
In the tracery is depicted the Crucifixion with attendant angels.
The background glass is most interesting and beautiful. By the use of thick white glasses of varying cone the window appears opalescent and the effect is luminous and glittering. It shows the artist's anxiety to provide the Nave of the Church with ample light and yet to create an attractive piece of pictured glass.
This admirable window is the work of the late Herbert Hendrie and is in memory of the
Rev. Dr Milne, Minister of the West Church, who died in 1895. It was presented by his
son-in-law.
From the a publication by the Society of Friends of St John's Kirk
Illustrated Notes on the Stained Glass Windows and the Mediaeval Silver of the Kirk - published in 1956
- with additional photography by Andrew Mitchell -
