Thread by @CoElittleilford

Thread ... We haven’t yet re-opened our doors so here’s some of our beautiful stained glass windows for you to see this #newhamheritagemonth
#historicalchurches #stainedglass #stainedglassart #stainedglasswindow
@newhamheritagemonth @newhamlondon @chelmsdio @heritage_newham

The main window behind the altar is in memorial of Her Majesty Queen Victoria. It shows Christ enthroned in majesty, reminding us that all earthly and temporal authority ultimately bows to Christ’s eternal majesty.
#newhamheritagemonth
@NewhamHeritage @heritage_newham @chelmsdio

The second is on the south side of the church and shows the story of Jesus being presented in the Temple, the event we celebrate at Candlemas (2nd February). Mary and Joseph are there as well as Simeon and Anna.
#newhamheritagemonth
@NewhamHeritage
@heritage_newham
@chelmsdio

The window is in memorium to Ellen, wife of John Bramwell Seward, who was Churchwarden. Ellen died on 17th December 1868.
#newhamhetritagemonth
@NewhamHeritage
@chelmsdio
@heritage_newham

The third window is on the north wall of the church and shows St Mary the Virgin and St John the Evangelist. These are often seen together as Jesus gave Mary into the care of John and vice versa, from the cross.
#newhamheritagemonth
@NewhamHeritage
@heritage_newham
@chelmsdio

We see that symbolically as the Church being given into the care of Mary as we often ask her to pray with us. So it’s appropriate for St Mary the Virgin here in #LittleIlford as we seek to care for our community.
#newhamheritagemonth
@NewhamHeritage
@heritage_newham
@chelmsdio

The window is in memorium to Ellen Jackson of Todmorden, Yorkshire, who died on December 12th 1887.
#newhamheritagemonth
@NewhamHeritage
@heritage_newham
@chelmsdio

One interesting feature of the window is that the chalice that St John is holding has a small green dragon in it!
#newhamheritagemonth
@NewhamHeritage
@heritage_newham
@chelmsdio

This is thought to refer to a tradition where St John, when in Ephesus, was given a poisoned chalice to drink. Before he drank though he blessed the wine and the poison took the form of a snake or dragon and slithered away!
#newhamheritagemonth
@NewhamHeritage
@heritage_newham

It’s one of the reasons St John is one of the patrons of wine and winemakers. There is an old tradition that on St John’s Feast day (27th December) the priest is brought wine to bless for the home. As a mark of thanks the priest was also given a bottle to take with them!

Don’t tell Fr Lee @brileetaylor or he’ll be planning to bring it back!
#newhamheritagemonth
@NewhamHeritage
@heritage_newham
@chelmsdio