Window
Building Name: St. James Episcopal ChurchStudio Name: Lamb (J. and R.) Co.
City: Birmingham
Window Shape: 2 (rectangle)
Subject/Title of Window: One Was a Priest - St. David of Wales
Brief Description of Subject: This aisle window is located in the Children's Chapel. All windows in the Chapel were designed to relate to children and provide a learning experience for them.
This is the second of three windows that together complete a couplet from the children's song "I Sing a Song of the Saints of God," composed by Lesbia Scott. The inscription "One Was a Priest" is the second part of the first verse of the couplet in the second stanza of that song. The Church selected St. David as an example of a saintly soldier.
St. David (c.500 - 589) was a bishop, and is the Patron Saint of Wales. He is known for his preaching and the founding of many religious communities in Wales and Brittany. One time while preaching, the earth miraculously rose up under him, and a white dove perched on his shoulder. Once, before a battle, St. David had the Welsh warriors put a leek in their hats so they could distinguish friend from foe. The leek has since become a symbol of Wales, and is worn on hats for St. David's Day.
For this window, the artist has pictured St. David as a bishop, holding a crozier, and giving a blessing. A white dove is perched on his shoulder, and the ground around him has risen up. At his feet is a Welsh harp, a symbol of Wales. On the shield in the predella is a leek. To the left of the inscription "Priest," is a Celtic Cross which is of religious importance to Welsh culture.
Inscriptions: One Was A Priest
Saint David
Condition of Window: Excellent
Height: 5'
Width: 39"
Type of Glass and Technique: Antique or Cathedral Glass
One Was a Priest - St. David of Wales
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