The Transfiguration
Charles J. Connick Associates - 1962
Jennie Lucille Seymour
In Memoriam
Nellie Seymour Morris
DESCRIPTION: The descriptive narrative clerestory window on the north side of the nave is divided into three panels depicting the Transfiguration of Christ. Christ is featured in the center panel. Moses, holding a tablet representing the Ten Commandments, and one of Jesus' disciples are in the left panel; the prophet Elijah and two other disciples comprise the right panel.
THE STORY: The Transfiguration, a miraculous event said to be the culminating point in the earthly life of Jesus, was witnessed by three of his disciples, Peter, James and John. According to the Gospels, Jesus led these three up a mountain "And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light." (Matthew 17:2). This glorious event strengthened the faith of his disciples, preparing them for what lay ahead: "While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in
whom I am well pleased; hear ye him." (Matthew 17: 5) Moses, representing the Law and the prophet Elijah, representing the Prophets, also appeared with Jesus, establishing a continuity from the Old Testament.
MEMORIAL: The window is in remembrance of Nellie (Ellen) May Seymour Morris and Jennie Lucille Seymour. The donor was Jennie Seymour herself, who left instructions in her will for its installation following her death.
Nellie and Jennie were the daughters of Hiram and Leonora Seymour, remembered in Crucifixion (Window #117). Their father, Hiram, was from the Bahamas, settled in Key West, and operated a grocery store. Nellie (Ellen M.) was born on March 15, 1874; Jennie Lucille on March 26, 1879. Other children were Charles E., Hiram C., John C. and Mary E.
Nellie married George Franklin Morris, a native of Ohio on January 7, 1903, with The Reverend Gilbert Higgs, rector of St. Paul's officiating. George was the owner of the Columbia Steam Laundry, and later became a Ford car dealer with the firm Trevor & Morris.
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.
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