GOLDIE MEMORIAL STAINED GLASS WINDOW

SOUTH END CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH

CAMBRIDGE, ONTARIO

During 2019 and 2020, we continued our restoration of the stained glass windows of Central Presbyterian Church, Cambridge. This project included complete restoration of the stained glass panels of the 10′ X 30′ window grouping, restoration of the deteriorated wood frames and installation of new vented protective exterior glazing.

The large stained glass window grouping of the south end of Central Presbyterian Church was dedicated to John Goldie and his wife Margaret Rodgers and was donated by their children. The window was created by the Robert McCausland Studio of Toronto in 1930. As John Goldie was interested in astronomy and astrology, the window features many astrological symbols and references. The figure portions of the window are all based on Scriptures that have celestial references.

The eight quatrefoils of the upper rose part of the window, feature the following symbols of the Zodiak, Scorpio, Libra, Virgo, Leo, Cancer, Gemeni, Taurus and Aires. Three of the stained glass “X” shaped panels that separate the upper and lower lancets feature the Zodiak symbols Capricornus, Aquarius and Pisces. The lower part of the centre upper lancet that is obscured by the balcony on the interior, features the Zodiak symbol Sagitarius.

The centre upper lancet depicts King David the Psalmist that wrote in Psalm 8:4 “What is man that thou art mindful of him”, as he contemplated God’s celestial creations. The two left upper lancets illustrate Psalm 19:1, “The heavens declare the Glory of God and the firmament showeth His handiwork”. The two upper right lancets illustrate Matthew 2:10, “When they saw the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy” and show the three wise men following the Nativity star in search of the baby Jesus.

The five lower lancets are based on Job 38:7, “When the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy”. They show angels praising the celestial works of the Lord.