History of “TheTree of Life” church window
This window, in the south east aisle of the church, was installed in December 1996 and dedicated at the village Carol Service on 22nd December.
It was funded by the small profit made from the celebration of 700 years of continuous record of rectors at St. John’s Church, West Grimstead in June 1994. The balance was by specific donations from members of the community of all denominations.
The design was by Andrew Taylor of Littleton Panell, Devizes. He was asked by the Parochial Church Council to depict West Grimstead at the end of the 20th Century.
The window is best viewed in the morning when the sun shines through this ‘Tree of Life’ .
DESCRIPTION OF THEWINDOW
Using the central column of the two lancets as the focal point of the trunk, the Tree of Life, with leaves modelled on the beech, is the dominant feature of this window. In the back ground are the sky and clouds and on the skyline the Grimstead Beeches with Pepperbox on the hill, which takes its name from this “folly”.
Below are the slopes of the Downs that rise above the village, showing the fields at all seasons of the year:- The Green of spring, the Gold of the harvest, Snow covered in the winter; and the sun shining on the landscape. On the left of the window a herd of British Holstein cows graze and on the other side a flock of sheep is depicted.
The village of West Grimstead is shown with the church and other buildings, and in the foreground are typical flowers, cowslips which cover the downs in spring and bluebells that clothe the woods. There are even the harebells which grow in the churchyard and clumps of fungi.
(Photo by C.Hastings.)
TREE OF LIFE. (Stained glass window)
May life for you be like this gracious tree, Rooted in strength and majesty.
Defying storms although it still achieves to catch the sunlight through its leaves.
This stately tree, as quiet as a psalm, where flowers nestle beneath its knotted arm.
And sheep graze safely, wandering at will, surveying church and farm, vale and hill.
A shelter for us all who come and go, at peace with God, as steadily we grow.
Maturing wisely through each growing stage. Upright in youth and beautiful with age.
St John’s Church …for more information on services ….
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