Fourth window group on the west wall.
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From left to right:
1. Jesus and Mary of Bethany
2 & 3. In Praise of a Worthy Woman.
Proverbs 31:10-31.
In their original position in Pirie Street church the middle window was to the left of the right hand one showing the woman. This window of the woman's husband and child and the window of the woman were based on the a song of praise to a worthy woman recorded in Proverbs 31. "She looks well to the ways of her household. Her children rise up and call ner blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." The craftsmen who resited the windows decided that the men of Israel should be facing towards Christ, because He, more than any other, has given women new dignity.
The window on the left of the group is one of the best of the windows from Pirie Street. Note especially the face of Jesus. The window commemorates the Bethany home of Martha and Mary (Luke 10:32-42). Mary is depicted sitting at Jesus' feet, but Martha who was originally standing behind him, had to be placed in the small window above.
Unfortunately many of the Pirie Street windows had to be cut back to fit in their new locations so parts of the stained glass were lost or relocated. However in relocation these three windows go well together. Just as the Book of Proverbs concludes with a tribute to women, so the sequence of these clerestory windows concludes with the reminder that Jesus was the emancipator of women in his time and for the future.
This concludes the Long Tour of the Pilgrim Uniting Church. We trust you have enjoyed the tour. If you have any questions please ask the staff members or else visit the church office at the rear of the church.
Book marks depicting some of the stained glass are available in the foyers. A gold coin donation would be appreciated.