Historical information

Frederick Perkin Stevens was a prominent in business and community matters. He also presented the peal of three German bells in 1881 as a memorial to his and Jane’s son..

Significance

These windows are among the earliest stained glass windows in Christ Church and because of their position make a strong visual impact in the church. Further, Frederick later married Emma Bews, sister-in-law of the Reverend Peter Tuelen Beamish, first Vicar of the Parish of Warrnambool (for a period of 45 years 1850-1895,), thus consolidating his association with the church.

Physical description

Three lancet stained-glass windows, east wall, main nave, above the High Altar. Presented by Frederick Perkins STEVENS in memory of his wife Jane (nee RULE), born abt 1821, died 1868. The windows from left to right depict the Baptism, Crucifixion and Ascension of Jesus. Transversing the lower section is a depiction of the Last Supper. Running across the bottom of the windows is the inscription.

Inscriptions & markings

Left window: IN MEMORIAM JANÆ VXORIS CARISSIMA
REDEMPTORI SVO IN GREMIVM COMMISIT
SE ILLAM INTER BEATOS CITIVS
Centre: OVAM DISIDERIO SVMMO ANNOS XLVIII NATUM FREDERICUS STEVENS CONJVX VIDVVS QVI
REVISVRVM SPAM LÆTAM AMPLECTITVR
Right: SEPTIMO ANTE KAL SEXT A.D. MDCCCLXVIII
PAVLISPER INTER VIVOS MORATVS
HANC FANESTRAM POSVIT
This may be translated as: "This window was erected in memory of Jane, his beloved wife, whom at the age of 40 years on the 26th day of July, 1868, with deepest grief and love he committed to the bosom of her Redeemer, by her bereaved husband, Francis Stevens, who tarrying a little while among the living, embraces the hope of meeting her speedily, if it may be, among the blessed."