Zacchaeus Climbing the Sycamore Tree
Powell Brothers & Sons - 1999
In Loving Memory of Bob Taylor From Louise M. Taylor
DESCRIPTION: The window is designed in the same manner as the other three Powell windows in the chancel. It is neo-Gothic in design, with a pictorial central medallion set in rectangles of rich and deeply colored glass. The larger central medallion depicts Zacchaeus in the sycamore tree. In the smaller medallion at the top of the window, there are two representations of Christ: two fish and the Greek letters IOXYC.
THE STORY: Being small of stature, Zacchaeus, the tax collector, climbed a tree to obtain a better view of Jesus as he entered Jerusalem. He not only caught a glimpse, but "When Jesus came to that place, he looked up and saw him and said to him, Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must abide at thy house." (Luke 19:5)
MEMORIAL: Robert Douglas Taylor was born in Providence, Rhode Island to Evelyn Groby and Lyman Taylor in 1917. He attended Rhode Island State University, studying engineering through the Gl Bill. After graduation he moved to Key West with his wife, Louise, and their three young daughters to begin a 30 year career with the Federal Aviation Agency.
Bob faithfully, quietly and humorously served St. Paul's as a vestryman, usher, property handyman and installer of storm windows. Louise said that the Zacchaeus story reminded her of Bob because he was shy and performed tasks in a roundabout way. His enthusiasm for St. Paul's was second only to his enthusiasm for sports. In addition to fishing, a secondary theme in the smaller medallion, he played golf and tennis religiously. fI you look closely, you may be able to find the tiny golf club and tennis racket cleverly worked into the foliage of the sycamore tree!
The donor, Louise Stoune McClanahan Taylor (1919-1998) was born to Julia Downing and Cleveland McClanahan on a farm in Chocolocco, Alabama. She received a master's degree in mathematics and physics from the University of Alabama which she utilized during her 30-year career as Navy mathematician and director of Naval Ordinance Unit. She was proud of her Honorary Conch appointment by Wilhelmina Harvey, Key West's first woman mayor. During her 45 years of service as trustee, treasurer and vestryman, Louise was St. Paul's watchdog. As an active member of Episcopal Church Women, she made countless egg and tuna sandwiches for the homeless. As a modest and humble person, a devoted attendee of Morning Prayer and a frequent lay reader, we fondly recall her broad smile and her soft Alabama accent. She was a staunch and true friend to many, and was also the donor, along with her husband, of Deborah and a Scroll under the Palms (Window # 115) on the opposing chancel wall.
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.
To conclude the tour, turn away from the altar, noticing the two windows in a bright, modern style that face the altar. On the right is Window #124: Christ with Fishermen, a beautiful and fitting tribute in Key West.
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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