The Cross Bearer Saint Stephen’s Adamstown Newsletter February 2015

Stained Glass in Australia From about 1840 stained glass was being imported into Australia mainly from Britain. John Hardman & Co from Birmingham supplied glass for Sydney Cathedrals, Edmund Blacket designed S.Andrew’s Cathedral and Hardman supplied the windows forming a narrative on the Life of Christ. The windows in Christ Church Cathedral, Newcastle are all fine windows, many by the great English firm Kempe & Co., whose windows are installed in many English Cathedrals including Chester, Wells, Winchester and York. The windows in Christ Church Cathedral were installed between 1904 and 1929. The Rose Window in the west wall (1928) is one of the glories of Australia’s heritage of stained glass. The large window in the North Transept depicting The Day of the Lord Dies Domine was installed in 1906 and is one of the finest examples of the work of Burne Jones and William Morris. The first Australian trained stained glass artist was a Polish immigrant, John Dadecki; a fine example of his work is the east window of Christ Church S.Laurence, Sydney installed in 1906. Stained Glass in Churches The windows in S.Stephen’s are a feature of our church For thousands of years glass was thought of as and many are the work of Martin J Van Der Toorn of something to look at. It was valued for decoration Glenhaven, including the Stations of the Cross. The and became really useful when it was thought of as windows in the East wall of the Sanctuary were some of something to look through. Stained glass is pre-eminent the first windows made by Martin when he migrated to among artistic media for its strength of colour, range Australia from Holland and the windows in the North wall of contrast and sparkling transparency. All these are of the Chapel are some of his last works. The window enhanced by the dark meandering pattern of the lead over the north door is our newest window and depicts strips used to bind the pieces together. Figured S.Stephen being made a Deacon by S.Peter and then windows, with details drawn in iron oxide and fused ministering to the widows and poor as recorded in the Act onto the glass, appearing the 11th century (Augsburg of the Holy Apostles. This window is the work of Sydney Cathedral) indicating a sound technology for artist John Hamilton. manufacturing glass in a wide range of colours. Despite being a victim of its history, stained glass is The enlargement of windows advanced the growth fortunately long lived. The glorious windows of Europe’s of Gothic architecture, improved heat-conservation, medieval cathedrals are still intact and vibrant after eight centuries. As long as our stained glass windows and the enabled assemblies to meet in all weathers, the buildings which house them are protected, stained glass spectacular presentation of religious subject matter, will have an enduring and glowing future. provided the church with a major teaching tool. The art of stained glass reached its peak early, perhaps This is God’s world and it is not aimless. the finest of all windows being presented to Poitiers It is not possible that fear will always outwit love. Cathedral (France) by Henry 11 of England in 1162. It is not possible that goodness has flowered in vain. Superb displays of 12th and 13th century stained glass It is not possible that death will render all futile. can be seen in Chartres and in Paris (Notre Dame & It is not possible that Jesus will ever be forgotten. Sainte Chapelle) Leon and Canterbury. Perhaps the best It is not possible that faith will die out on earth. Gothic Revival, 19th century, stained glass was English, Christ holds God’s secret in open, wounded hands. especially the Burne Jones & Morris collaboration. Christ is our future and all will be redeemed. (Source Unknown) The New Music Setting Healing mass for Sunday Mass The healing mass is held the 1st Thursday of each month This music setting, composed at S.Peter’s Church, Hamilton and is always well by Colin Smith, was originally attended. There is a ‘prayer’ book where people can have published in 1977. In 2010 it was revised and updated their name placed, blessed handkerchiefs are available and is now widely used throughout Australia. It is along with cards, so that the sick can know they will be frequently used at Christ Church Cathedral, Newcastle. regularly prayed for. Communion, Laying on of Hands Each section of the Mass is structured in such a way and Anointing with Holy Oil is available to all seeking as to allow a cantor or soloist to sing a section followed these Sacraments, and are administered by Fr Fergus, by a section for the whole congregation. For example Fr Chris and Fr David. Morning tea is served in the in the Kyrie the priest sings the opening phrase: church hall. Please know you are very welcome. “Lord Have Mercy” and then this is repeated by the Transport can be arranged. congregation. In the “Gloria” the people sing the refrain: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will”. The choir or soloist then sing a Samaritans “verse”. After each “verse” the people then sing the Thank you for all the food and clothes that have been opening refrain again. given to the Samaritans, over the last year, please know The setting is being introduced in stages so that we will they appreciate all your effort. Don’t forget to continue all be able to learn the new music and participate fully to buy one item of food when you are grocery shopping for our food basket for the Samaritans. in joyful singing to the Lord.

MOTHERS’ UNIOn The Choir Mother’s Union had a great year in 2014 Our Choir may be small however it is really appreciated with good attendances at each meeting. every Sunday. The singing, along with the organ music The meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday is enjoyed. Thank you! of the month were we meet for Eucharist in the chapel at 10am. Last year we had a good mix WALSINGHAM CELL of events with Quiet Days led by Fr Chris and visits to The cell meets the 1st Saturday of places of interest. We are planning another interesting each month, Mass is celebrated at year. You are always very welcome to join us. 8am, followed by breakfast. Morning tea is served. Transport can be arranged. The cell has had a very successful year and has had some wonderful Morning Teas speakers who gave talks over Thank you to all the people who have contributed food breakfast. Meetings resumed again for our morning tea after Mass on Sunday mornings. in February 2015. Fr David Battrick (a BIG thank you Tony, for your amazing cooking) and gave the homily on the Marriage at for the folk who ‘set up and then wash up’. Morning tea is Cana, while at breakfast we learnt of a wonderful occasion when we can take the time for a the importance of an ‘adult’ approach to Lent. chat. Everyone’s effort is very much appreciated. You are very welcome to join us. We are planning another successful and interesting year ahead. PARISH Christmas Luncheon About forty five parishioners enjoyed an absolutely wonderful lunch on Sunday 7th December. There was a large selection of meats and salads followed by a variety For those wishing to support us electronically of sweets (all calorie free). Thank you to all the ladies our bank details are: who prepared this enjoyable meal. Aside from being a Commonwealth Bank, Hamilton very pleasant time for us all to enjoy the company of our BSB: 062800 parish family, it was also a success financially for the Account No: 00501101 guild. Account Name: St Stephen’s Anglican Church Parish Account Theatre on brunker Should you wish to contribute to the Our next production is “Spiders Webb” by Agatha beautification of our Church we have Christie. It runs from March 6th – 28th. Book now with a special purpose account with the Newcastle Meri on 4956 1263 and please remember to fill in and Permanent Building Society return your availability roster. BSB: 650.00 Account No: 981170604 Looking for a GREETING CARD? There is a wide Account Name: St Stephen’s Church selection available in the narthex, all priced at $1:00 Adamstown