Saint Barnabas
Powell Brothers & Sons 2003
"In Thanksgiving for the Founders of St. Paul's Memorial Foundation"
DESCRIPTION: The most recent additions to the glorious windows of St. Paul's are four windows in the chancel designed by Powell Brothers & Sons. All four are illuminated artificially from behind as these windows have no source of natural light. The choir room is located behind the windows on the right; the sacristy is behind the windows on the left.
In an effort to integrate the newer windows into the feeling of the older ones, these four windows are painted, stained, etched and leaded, using techniques virtually unchanged since the 13th century. Gothic elements such as the pointed arch are artfully combined with a more contemporary background of rectangular glass and simple imagery. The focal point becomes the central, solitary figure.
In this window, just over the door leading to the choir room, Saint Barnabas is pictured in a deep purple robe on an equally deep and serene rich red and deep blue background.
THE STORY: Saint Barnabas was one of the earliest Christian disciples, preaching to both Gentiles and Jews. His close association with Saint Paul, patron saint of St. Paul's Church, made him a natural choice to represent the work of those honored in the window: the Founders of St. Paul's Memorial Foundation, the selfless sponsors of the church. It was Barnabas who sponsored Paul in front of the skeptics who remembered Paul's former fierce ways. Together they traveled throughout distant regions on a journey of conversion, enduring opposition and persecution.
MEMORIAL: St. Paul's Memorial Foundation was established in 1987 by five parishioners in an effort to save the church which had deteriorated considerably over the years. These founding five were Harry Knight, Anne McKee, Sebastian Cabrera, Leon Sands and Hugh Papy. Raising the enormous sums needed for the daunting task required a multifaceted approach, and this group left no stone unturned: According to Harry Knight, the Foundation's first president and long standing secretary, from the pulpit they asked parishioners for funds; they privately talked to people in the community; through State Representative Ron Saunders, they appealed to the state of Florida and received matching funds; they created projects where everyone could participate with whatever means they could.
The result of this local effort was two-fold: the church was gradually repaired and by involving everyone, a sense of unity among all participants, both full-time and winter residents, was created. A collective sense of local pride developed while a solid financial reserve to care for the historic church was built through on-going contributions. In the words of Harry Knight, "We can now rest in peace."
Source: The Golden Cockerel: The Art, Symbolism & History of the Stained Glass Windows, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Key West, Florida by Winifred Shine Fryzel.
Please consider making a donation to St. Paul's so that we may continue our work, including the stewardship of our beautiful grounds, buildings, and windows.
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