St. Mark’s, Richmond, Virginia, USA.
The Work:- Three Lights.
Date:- 1929.
Location:- Behind the Alter.
Subject:- Ascension.
Inscription:- (c) “I ascend unto my father and your father”.
Dedication:- “ To the GLORY of GOD and in loving memory of
1861 Wm. CABELL BROWN. DD 1927. Seventh Bishop of Va”.
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Back of the cartoon/sketch has Glasby’s Kensington address overwritten with Putney.
Glasby’s name is shown.
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Sanford Eberly, Altar Guild Co-Chair & “History Buff” of St Mark’s Episcopal Church
520 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, VA, USA 23220 provided us with so much useful information:
"We are most fortunate to have a William Glasby stained class altar window. Which greatly compliments the Georgian revival structure. Was installed in 1928 six years after construction. Before that the altar window was plain milk glass. Typical of many churches of that timeframe. And still what exists in the rest of the worship space. Original paperwork, contract, etc are housed in the Virginia State Library here in Richmond. Y
I have found on line another church with a very similar window, St George’s, Wyverstone, Suffolk, UK. Comparing the two, ours has the additional border around the center section and along the bottom of each. Mr. Glasby’s signature can be found in the center bottom red border around the scripture and dedication on the right side.
The window is on the west side of the structure positioning it for a marvelous streaming of light in the late afternoon before sunset. The center border pattern was copied in the needlepoint kneeling cushions at the altar rail done by the altar guild.
Legend has it that the stain glass sections were shipped in wooden crates filled with straw and a molasses type liquid to protect and insulate for the crossing of the Atlantic.
The Ascension Window is the visual focal point within the entire space and perfectly speaks to any place one is seated from the last pew to the front row.
We are an active Episcopal Congregation in the center of the city, what was an area of westward expansion in the early 1900’s, but still vital in ministry, outreach and service in the community. Near by is a large residential neighborhood of Victorian homes and museums. Visitors often affirm the beauty of the worship space and especially the altar window." 1 March 2021
(c) Sanford Eberly 2021
(c) Sanford Eberley 2021
With thanks to Sam Eberly for data provided during 2021.
Note: The sketch needs to be rescanned. But this was such an interesting story we wanted to publish it.
(c) John Collins and Erika Szyszczak July 2021.
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