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HISTORY OF GRACE-ST. ANDREW'S UNITED CHURCH
The centre panel of the North Memorial Window was installed by the congregation of Grace-St. Andrew's as a grateful tribute to those who gave their lives in defence of justice and liberty between the years 1939 and 1945. The left panel was placed in memory of Ida Gillies Robertson, the sister of John S. and David A. Gillies. This panel was given by her husband Niel S. Robertson, who had served as the clerk of session of this congregation for many years. The right panel was placed in memory of Thomas Stephen Church (1883-1943), a well-known Arnprior businessman, by his beloved wife, Clyde Church, who was very active in the church. This window has been embellished by a full-bloom red rose on a cross, as well as the llcroix." This memorial window was dedicated by Rev. C.E. Armstrong, then chair of the Renfrew Presbytery, and by Rev. D.H. Woodhouse, minister of the church at the time. It was unveiled by His Excellency Viscount Alexander of Tunis, the Governor General of Canada, on November 25,1951.
The South Memorial
Window was dedicated to the Glory of God and was placed in memory of the men of
this congregation who gave their lives for freedom in the two great
wars. It is also a memorial to John Stark Gillies(1868-1938), who served
the communities of Arnprior and Braeside with energy and expertise. He was
one of the presidents of Gillies Bros. Company Limited and was very active
in the United Church in both Braeside and Arnprior This splendid stained-glass
window was placed by his brother David A. Gillies, who also served
Grace-St. Andrew's exceptionally well as an elder and as a member of the
board of stewards. In the lower left and right corners of this window
arethe crests for the Canadian and Ontario Coats of
Arms. The Mae McLachlin Memorial Window is the newest of our windows. The stewards of the church commissioned Ottawa Valley artist Stephen Brathwaite to create a memorial that would reflect the love, kindness, gentleness and beauty of Mae (Frizell) McLachlin (1900-1984), who had served as a beloved elder for many years and won the hearts of people throughout the community. The border on the left side of the window, similar to that on the large McCausland Memorial Window, is meant to emphasize the traditionalist quality of Mrs. McLachlin, who loved the church and cherished her roots. The "eternity line" seems to follow tradition for a while, then assumes a jagged, unpredictable pattern, suggesting also that Mrs. McLachlin was her own person, with her own values, opinions and ideas. When this window is illuminated, from behind or in front, the blue, red, brown, gray and white fragments of glass, which were gathered from Renfrew and Lanark counties, refract and transform themselves, giving the impression of the ever-changing scenes of life.
The Star of David/Star of Creation Window High above the gallery is
the Star @f David, or Star of Creation,
Window. Photo by Tom Hanson
The Original sanctuary, as constructed in 1890
The sanctuary at present
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