Christ with the Woman of Samaria
Studio Unknown After 1920 Before 1950
68 1/2" x 23"
In Loving Memory of Mellie Bethel Born November 17, 1839 Died March 9, 1921
DESCRIPTION: Christ is seated near Jacob's well, clothed in a red garment with a white head covering and a white gold trimmed cloak over His shoulders. The right hand is raised in blessing; the left outstretched. A woman stands near Him with a heavy, empty pottery jug balanced on her head. She is wearing an ornamented blue dress and a scarlet cape over her shoulders. A white covering almost hides her blonde hair. Bracelets on both arms complete the ensemble.
THE STORY: As told in John 4:1-38, after a long walk, Jesus rested at Jacob's well on the outskirts of the village of Sychar. It was noontime, during the extreme heat of the day and His solitude was broken by a Samaritan woman who came to draw water. The woman was alone as she was not of good repute and avoided the well in early morning or evening, a time when it would be thronged by al the women of the village who did not want anything to do with her because of her loose living. Jesus, who was thirsty and had no way of reaching the cool well water, asked the woman for a drink. The request surprised the shunned woman, however, after some dialogue, she began to see that she was in a great presence. To this simple, lone woman who questioned Him about the advent of the Messiah, Jesus revealed, "I that speak unto thee am He." (John 4:26)
MEMORIAL: Melvina (Mellie) Bethel was born in the Bahamas on November 17,1839. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Winer Bethel. The family came to live in Key West around 1848. In 1865 she joined the faculty of a school operated by her aunt, Euphemia Lightbourne. After Euphemia died, Mellie continued to teach and operate the school until 1911. When the school closed, she taught young girls all types of fancy work (needlework) for 25 cents a week, at times serving cookies and refreshments. She took loving care of the girls and if there was a downpour, much to the girls' delight, she called a carriage for them.
In 1900 Mellie lived with her brother, Livingston, and his family at 421 Duval Street, in the same block as St. Paul's Church. The large two-story white house with green trim was ornamented with gingerbread, the adornment of Victorian architecture popular in Key West at that time.
This window is a study in contrasts between its subject and its donor: the woman of Samaria had five husbands; Mellie never married.
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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