Memorial Details

Stained Glass Window 1914-18 Wesleyan Methodist

B140.08

BISHOP AUCKLAND

Wesleyan Methodist Church, now the “Four Clocks Project”.

The window has been retained in its original place.

1914-18

Unveiled 10th July 1920 by Rev. John Hornabrook

Stained glass window of 8 lights, comprising 2 rows of three one above the other, and one taller light on either side. Each has a traceried top.

The lower windows are in subdued light, warning of the dangers encountered in terms of a soldier going into battle, and the journey of life. The upper windows are much brighter in keeping with the success of the pilgrim’s journey armed with spiritual gifts.
Most of the panels depict episodes from the Bible in times of stress and the importance to devotion to duty, with the Christian Pilgrim being given spiritual armour by his supporters.
Panel A : Stephen, the first Christian martyr being stoned to death with the approval of Saul who was committed to destroy followers of Christ;
Panel B: Jonathan and David who were great friends prepare to go into battle, left hands clasped in brotherhood;
Panel C: Miriam, sister of Moses, rejoicing with cymbals, thanking God for allowing Moses to lead his people from captivity in Egypt.
Panel D: Moses looking down from the top of Mount Nebo to his soldiers in battle, assuring them of victory as long as his arms were raised. Finally, weak from the effort, Moses needed two bearers to hold his arms aloft, until the battle in the valley below was won.
Panel E: Shows the Christian Pilgrim being given spiritual armour by his supporters in Panels F and G.
At the base of these three panels we have the words “Be thou faithful unto death” “To the Glory of God”;
Panels H, J & K: The upper panels depict the three great virtues of the Christian Life as expressed in Paul’s letter to the Church at Corinth in difficult times FAITH, HOPE and LOVE
Panel J: The Cross of FAITH. The pilgrim receives the Crown of Glory. The scroll reads “Well done, thou good and faithful servant”;
Panel H: The anchor of HOPE. The scroll reads “Happy is he whose hope is in the Lord”;
Panel K: The Heart of LOVE. The scroll reads “To Godliness add brotherly kindness and to brotherly kindness add Charity”. (which is LOVE in action).
The words “Be thou faithful unto death” are carried across Panels E, F and G.
“To the Glory of God (Panel F)”

None

£500

1. In 1993 the two Methodist Churches in Bishop Auckland- the Wesley Church, Newgate Street and Central Methodist Church, Cockton Hill Road joined together at the Cockton Hill Road premises as Bishop Auckland Methodist Church. The Newgate Street premises became the Four Clocks Centre.

Photos: Simon Raine, John & Mavis Dixon; James Pasby

Auckland and County Chronicle 15/7/1920

Northern Echo 12/7/1920 reports unveiling.

Darlington & Stockton Times North 10/7/1920; 17/7/1920

Source of quotation
“Be thou faithful unto death . . .” Revelation 2 v 10.

Darlington and Stockton Times (North) 1920 07 10 Sat

Darlington and Stockton Times (North) 1920 07 17 Sat

Northern Echo 1920 07 12 Mon

James Pasby and Dorothy Hall visited November 2017, re-took photographs and left leaflets

Fitzhugh Collection, Middleton in Teesdale; John & Mavis Dixon; Dorothy Hall

If you are researching this memorial please contact 2014@newmp.org.uk

 

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