Left: Whole window. Right: Angel in the lowest panel, holding the text illustrated
Christ Instructing the Disciples, the fifth window from the front on the left, St. Thomas' Episcopal Church, Whitemarsh, Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, USA. The window was designed by Henry Holiday in 1878, and made in 1888, by James Powell & Sons, London. It represents Christ instructing the disciples: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16: 21-24).
Left: Jesus speaking of what is to come. Right: The way to Golgotha — with the angels above.
In the immediately preceding verses, Jesus told the disciples the manner in which he would die and that he would rise on the third day. The middle panel depicts Jesus speaking of what is to come. The top panel illustrates that prediction: the way to Golgotha. The angels at the top symbolize the fact that God is with Jesus.
Images and text kindly provided by Margi Tucker DeTemple, a member of the congregation, and the Historic Preservation Officer of Harcum College, not far from the church. The text is very slightly adapted here. — JB
Bibliography
Hawkins, Michelle W. (wife of a former rector of the church, the Rev. Richard T. Hawkins, 1968-1993). A Guide to the Stained Glass Windows - St. Thomas’ Church, Whitemarsh, PA. 1979.
Created 23 April 2024