The West windows show scenes from the life of Christ, with the central window showing the Crucifixion. These windows were crafted by R. S. Exton and Co, and designed by William Bustard. William Bustard (1884 – 1973) was a Brisbane-based designer, and one of Australia’s leading traditional stained glass artists in the years before and after the Second World War. INDEX
22. WEST WINDOWS DETAILS
Here are the windows in detail, beginning at bottom left. •• This triplet shows the Nativity, with the manger scene at centre, the shepherds at left, and the wise men at right. This window is given in memory of Thomas Morrow and William Alexander Morrow. •• The central window, shown at top, shows Christ on the Cross with his mother Mary and St John looking on. This is a War Memorial window, donated on the Diamond Jubilee of this congregation, by William Robert Black in 1922. •• The right window illustrates the Ascension of Christ. It was given in memory of Alexander and Anne Stewart.
23. NORTH WINDOWS
There are three double panel stained glass windows in the North wall of the nave. From left these are: •• Jesus comforting his disciples (in the Temple?). Verses quoted are: ‘In my Father’s house are many mansions’, and, ‘I go to prepare a place for you’ (John 14:2). •• I am happy to receive information about this second window. •• The text on the third window is: ‘Suffer the little children to come unto me’ (Matthew 19:14), and the pictures appear to illustrate this.
24. SOUTH WINDOWS
Turning to the South nave windows, we find them all conveniently labelled. From left (East) we have: •• St Barnabas and St Paul (often pictured with a sword and a book of scriptures); •• David and Jonathan: the story is told in the Book of Samuel 18 – 23; •• St Peter and St Andrew: St Andrew with the diagonal cross, and Peter without the Keys of the Kingdom!
25. NORTH TRANSEPT
We cross back to the North transept. During World War I when the Revd Dr Ernest Merrington was the Minister at St Andrew’s, he also served as a Chaplain with AIF troops at Egypt, Gallipoli and Europe. The North transept contains the Merrington Peace Chapel, which honours him and all who have taken part in conflicts since. Notice the delicate shading of the windows. The nave windows were originally like this before being replaced with stained glass.
26. NORTH TRANSEPT TABLE
This useful little table might be used for Communion or other purposes.
27. WEST AND EAST VIEWS
This is actually a War Memorial chapel. The North wall is lined with memorial boards and honour rolls, and at the Western end we can see printed information sheets about some of those who died.
28. MEMORIALS
The names of 268 men and women are listed on honour boards and plaques in the chapel.
29. THE MERRINGTON CONNECTION
A wall photograph depicts Dr Merrington conducting a service with the troops at Gallipoli and the communion vessels he used are displayed below it. Anzac Day services and other services of remembrance are conducted in this chapel.
30. ENSIGNS
High up in this transept are several ensigns. At left is the National Flag. The Australian Army has no separate ensign but has the ceremonial role of protector of the Australian National Flag. •• The Royal Australian Navy adopted the Australian white ensign in 1967. The white ensign of the British Royal Navy had been used since 1911, when the Royal Australian Navy was formed. •• The Royal Australian Air Force ensign was approved by King George VI in 1948 and formally adopted in Australia in 1949. Previously, the ensign of the British Royal Air Force had been used.
The South transept contains the Rees-Thomas Mission Chapel. The Revd Dr Tom Rees-Thomas was the Minister of the City Congregational Church (later Ann Street City Uniting Church) from 1948 till it closed in 1981 to join Saint Andrew’s. Dr Rees-Thomas came with his Congregation and served as a Minister-in-Association at St Andrew’s till his death in 1993.
32. EAST AND WEST VIEWS
The short sides of the South transept. A banner and picture on the East side, and a painting of Jesus the Good Shepherd to the West.
33. SOUTH TRANSEPT WINDOWS
There are two stained glass windows on the South wall of this chapel. At left we see Jesus as The Good Shepherd. The texts say: ‘I am the Good Shepherd’, and ‘The good Shepherd giveth his life for the Sheep’. •• The window at right shows the Ascension of Jesus. The texts read: ‘While they watched, he was taken up’, and ‘A cloud received him out of their sight’.
34. SOUTH TRANSEPT DETAILS
The banner on the East side shows rays of light and the dove of the Holy Spirit descending on the city of Brisbane – recognizable through the Storey Bridge near the bottom. Below is a framed print of ‘The Last Supper’, showing Jesus with his disciples.
35. CHAPEL COMMUNION TABLE
The communion table and chairs in the chapel, memorial gifts from the Ann Street City Church, are now used weekly during services.
36. WEST END DETAIL
A close-up of the West side of the chapel: some hymn books for chapel services, and the painting of Jesus.
37. FLAG AND PLAQUES
There are a number of items affixed to the South wall of the chapel. At left we have the Progress Pride Flag – a 2018 reinvention of the striped Rainbow Flag with a chevron, indicating inclusion of various marginalised groups in society. At right are shown two brass plaques remembering the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and in particular Clive Ashby Pearce who served over many years.
38. BANNER AND PLAQUES
Next is a banner containing many names – presumably the Sunday School children of the time. The plaque and photograph at right honour the long and faithful ministry in Brisbane of Rev Tom and Ruby Rees–Thomas. He was well-known as a public figure, advocate for those less fortunate and supporter of missionary work at home and abroad.
39. NAMES BANNER AND PLAQUE
Next along is another banner containing many names, with the text below: ‘He calls each one by name’ (John 10:2). •• Finally on this wall is a memorial to Rev George Wight who was founder and first minister of this Church July 6th 1859 – July 29th 1860. George Wight arrived in Brisbane from Edinburgh in May 1858, but returned to the UK two years later. After a further two years he returned to Brisbane, and died in 1900, never pastoring another church.
