Crucifixion

Stained Glass

Crucifixion

The stained glass window (above) erected in 1908 and representing the Crucifixion is in memory of the church's benefactors, Francis and James Reynolds, The 9 light east window is set high up in the sanctuary wall . The window was given by Sir James Reynolds, son of Francis Reynolds (one of the two donors of the church)

Centre Panel : From around the thirteenth century, crucifixes increasingly memorialized Jesus's suffering and death. Here Jesus is shown with his head to one side (the convention is for the head to hang to the 'good' right), and he is shown having just died. He is nailed through the palms of his hands and through his feet. A halo surrounds his head. The scroll at the head of the cross refers to the inscription "Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum". - translated as Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. This was the inscription Pontius Pilate the Roman Governor had fixed to the cross - It is usually abbreviated to 'INRI'. The stone tracery which surrounds the figure of Jesus is formed into a circle. The Circle is a symbol of God . Three circles can in fact be made out within this larger stone tracery circle and this might be intended as a reference to the Trinity( three intervoven circles represent the Trinity). The rays of gold eminating in four directions could be an artistic contribution although it might also be a reference to the Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost) where this can be represented by tongues of fire (although normally this would be seven tongues to represent the seven sanctifying gifts of the Holy Spirit)

On each side of main panel at high level : Angels - Carrying circular shields displaying the sun and the moon. This concerns the time after the crucifixion when darkness came across the land. This is depicted in the form of the sun and moon, with the sun on Jesus's right and the moon on his left. The window depicting the moon shows it eclipsing the sun. This is also intended to show the two natures of Jesus, the sun representing his divinity and the moon his humanity.

First Panel Left : The Virgin Mary ; the Mother of Jesus. Mary is almost always portrayed in Blue. The colour blue was at one time the most expensive in the artist's repetoire, and so was used sparingly and on the most precious of objects.

Second Panel Left : The Roman soldier who pierced the side of Jesus with a spear, and a mixture of blood and water flowed out. The outpouring was interpreted as symbolizing two of the sacraments-Baptism (water) and the Eucharist (blood). The soldier has been given the name Longinus, which means lance. He has been honoured, and later achieved sainthood, for having become a Christian and suffered martyrdom.

Centre Panel (figure below Cross): Mary Magdalin who was a disciple of Jesus. In images of her she is always beautiful, with long, often blonde or reddish hair, which can be seen loose. In Gospel accounts , she was possessed by seven demons, from which Jesus saved her. She followed Jesus from Galilee, stood at the foot of the cross, and is often present in scenes from the crucifixion. Above all Christians honour Mary as the first person to whom Jesus revealed himself after the Resurrection.

First Panel right : St John . regarded as Jesus's favourite. He is usually depicted as beardless and identifiable in two key events, the Last Supper and the Crucifixion where he can be seen at the foot of the cross. A common image of John shows him holding a chalice over which hangs a serpent (or dragon). This comes from a legend that he was challenged by a high priest of the goddess Diana at Euhesus to drink a cup of poison. He drank; not only was he unharmed, but he restored to life two men who drank before him.

Second Panel right : This figure is difficult to decipher although the concensus of opinion is that it is the figure of Joseph of Arimathea who was a disciple of Jesus, although a secret one. It was he that removed the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen clothes, following the Jewish burial custom

Bottom Panels - four - two each side of centre panel - Angels holding shields which display symbols for the Instruments of the Passion

In Christian symbolism the Instruments of the Passion are the objects associated with Jesus' Passion. Each of the Instruments have become an object of veneration among many Christians. The Instruments of the Passion are

The Pillar where Jesus was whipped, in the episode of the Flagellation
The Whips that were used.
The Crown of Thorns.
The Cross on which he was crucified.
The Titulus Crucis, attached to the Cross, inscribed "Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum"
The Nails, inflicting four wounds.
The Spear of Destiny by which a Roman soldier inflicted the final of the Five Wounds in his side.
The Holy Grail, the Chalice that caught his blood and which was used by Jesus at The Last Supper

Bottom Panel Centre : Angel holds Cloth with the impression of Jesus. This refers to Jesus' journey to the cross. The Holy woman named Veronica, seeing Jesus so ill used, bathed in sweat and blood, wiped his face with a towel, on which was left the impression of Jesus' face

Dedication Panel located in the sanctuary

Return Stained Glass Page