Miriam
Powell Brothers & Sons - 2003
To the Glory of God
For Blessings Received By Anne and Ross McKee
DESCRIPTION: The fourth window in the church by Powell Brothers adds balanced rich light to the chancel. It features Miriam the Prophetess of the Old Testament playing a tambourine against a dark red background. As in the other Powell windows, the border is interspersed with the five-pointed Epiphany Star.
THE STORY: The selection of Miriam, the prophetess of the Old Testament who led the women in song, as the subject for the window in this location is a nice one. From her location over the door leading to the sacristy, Miriam looks down on the choir of St. Paul's as they lead the congregation in song: "Sing ye to the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously." (Exodus 15:21)
MEMORIAL: Anne and Ross McKee, originally from Newfoundland, have been faithful servants of Saint Paul's. Great humanitarians and philanthropists, their involvement in the successful completion of numerous projects in St. Paul's and their support of the visual and performing arts in Key West through generous grants to local artists have been their enduring gift to the community and the church.
Active generous, intelligent, warm and humorously spirited into his nineties, Ross died on August 19, 2006. According to Father David Wilt, while never admitting he belonged to any church, Ross nonetheless loved to talk about religion. His intelligence and gentleness will long be remembered.
According to al who know Anne, along with her many other interests she has been a driving force in Saint Paul's. As one of the five founding members of St. Paul's Memorial Foundation, which like the phoenix rising from the ashes helped bring a crumbling church back to its former glory, Anne has been instrumental in getting projects wished for completed.
One example of her determined and giving spirit says fellow Memorial Foundation founding member, Harry Knight, was the day she stood up in church and challenged the congregation to match her $8000 gift for the re-leading of one of the great clerestory windows. Among her many projects, Anne initiated and continues to spearhead the annual Christmas program raising funds for the organ renovation, and also coordinates the annual fundraising fashion show.
When Anne is in town, each Sunday at the 9 o'clock service Father David Wilt, rector of St. Paul's, looks for her, clearly recognizable in her red hat. Father Wilt notes that although she enjoys this particular service because it includes wonderful music, she finds the liberal use of incense, traditional in her church, a bit too overpowering and predictably times her entrance after the processional has passed!
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.
Login To Leave Comment