Remembrance Sunday Nov. 6, 2022 in the Guards’ Chapel -— On Remembrance Sunday in 2021, St. Barts launched a two-part capital campaign to restore the Geddes “Ottawa” Window, a memorial of the First World War, and to upgrade aspects of the Parish Hall and link. A year later, after much effort by the parish and support from the wider community, the restored East Window was rededicated at a very moving Remembrance Sunday service.
This service took place almost exactly 103 years after the original unveiling. On Nov. 9, 1919, the then Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII) unveiled this war memorial for members of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI). His great uncle, Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, had commissioned the window in 1915 to commemorate members of his household at Rideau Hall who died in the First World War.
This year the restored window glowed once again in its original magnificence. The subject is The Welcoming of a Slain Warrior by Saints, Champions and Angels. The young Irish artist Wilhelmina Margaret Geddes (1887-1955) completed the design and making of the window in Dublin; it was then exhibited there and in London prior to its installation above the altar in St. Barts. Striking colours and strong figures, unlike the usual stained glass of the day, set this work apart from the very beginning. Having completed a documentary video of the work and the context within which it was produced, we now know a great deal more about the artist and the themes and methods she used to produce this stained glass masterpiece, her only work in North America.
Since its original dedication in 1919 the ensuing century had taken its toll on the window. Plans for its restoration began several years ago with studies to determine its condition and the work needed to ensure its integrity for the next century. Our fundraising campaign, spearheaded by our Honorary Window Capital Campaign Chair, the Rt. Hon. David Johnson, a former parishioner, drew the enthusiastic support of parishioners and a wider community of friends and supporters, including the Government of Ireland, Veterans Affairs Canada and the City of Ottawa and the Governor General’s Foot Guards. After reaching our funding goal, work could begin!
In early September, the window was carefully dismantled and taken to Montreal, where artisans at Studio du Verre expertly cleaned and restored the glass and the other parts of the window. A fabric screen with a reproduction of the window fooled many of us into thinking the window was still in situ.
It was a relief to know that by early November the window was back in its rightful home at St. Barts, the original dedicatory plaque also refurbished thanks to the generosity of certain parishioners. While external scaffolding still remained, in the sanctuary all was ready for a service of rededication at our Remembrance Sunday held on Nov. 6, 2022. The Reverend Canon David Clunie officiated at a very special service attended by many parishioners and by a large number of guests. General John de Chastelain laid the wreath, music featured the Governor General’s Foot Guards brass quintet, our own piper, Dr. Dan Cameron, and of course our director of music, Tim Piper, with the St Barts Choir. Following the Act of Remembrance, the rededication of the window and the conclusion of the service of Choral Eucharist, the Ambassador of Ireland, Dr. Eamonn McKee, spoke to the congregation of the importance of remembrance and the significance of the Geddes “Ottawa” Window as a special monument which is sure to draw many viewers to our small church.
We are grateful for the generous support we have received to carry out this important restoration project, especially during this last year of our rector’s ministry, as he retires after 14 years as our rector and 40 years as a priest in this diocese. His leadership and enthusiasm helped made this happen.
If you would like to see the restored window, please come and join us for a service at St. Barts. Service times are listed on our website at stbartsottawa.ca. Also, please watch the website for a link to the forthcoming historical documentary about the Geddes “Ottawa” Window entitled In the Company of Angels.
Submitted by Meriel Beament Bradford, parishioner and member of the Stewardship Committee
Christ Church, Bells Corners — Deanery of West Ottawa