Phillip and the Ethiopian (Detail)
Studio Unknown. After 1920; before 1950
79 1/2" x 27"
Pray for the Soul of Charles Fredrick Brookins, Priest
DESCRIPTION: Phillip, dressed in rich and costly vestments, is wearing an elaborate headpiece. One hand is raised; the other is holding a scallop shell filled with water. He is in the act of baptizing a devoutly kneeling Ethiopian. This swarthy, bearded man has humbly crossed his arms over his chest. His saffron garments are in contrast to the vivid colors in this window and shed a rich golden light.
SYMBOLISM: The story of Phillip and the Ethiopian from Acts 8:26-40 is simply a story of the all-inclusiveness of Jesus. While traveling from Jerusalem to Gaza, the apostle Phillip encountered an Ethiopian official who, through a practice common to his position at that time, was a eunuch. Through the Christian rite of baptism, Phillip invited him to become part of God's family, where all are loved and welcomed, regardless of ethnic or religious practices and heritage.
MEMORIAL: Charles Frederick Brookins was born in Eaton, Ohio on December 21, 1864. His parents were William Charles Maclay Brookins and May Elizabeth (Cook). He attended Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, and received a Bachelor of Art in 1890. He attended Bexley Hall and became deacon in 1890. He was ordained priest by Bishop Vincent.
Father Brookins was Rector of St. Paul's Church in 1926. The following year, on October 22, 1927, he died in Pensacola. His church service included: Curate, Church of the Advent, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1893; Rector, St. Mary's Church, Cleveland, Ohio, 1894-1900; Vicar, St. Mary's Chapel, Philadelphia, Pa, 1900-1913; Diocean Missionary, Argyle, Scotland, 1913-1914; Chaplain Metropolitan Life Insurance Company's Sanitarium, Mt. McGregor, New York, 1915-1918; Chaplain, Bethany Home, Glendale, Ohio, 1919; St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
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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