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All
Souls Chapel and Columbarium
Stained
Glass Art
Ernie
Clarke, Chair
Columbarium
Committee Bee
Mason, Jean Bradley*, Wally Roseveare, Marian Rosborough, Vic
Steele, Bev Hamm*, Gordon Bradley, Archdeacon Rod Gillis (*
wardens) When
the columbarium was dedicated on All Souls Day 2000, the Columbarium
Committee was asked to continue on to explore the possibility of placing
stained glass windows in the chapel. Now, one year later, ten new
stained glass windows are being dedicated, together with several items
essential to the Columbarium. Each of the ten windows is based on a
carefully chosen biblical theme as noted in the Archdeacon's Reflections.
The windows are also wonderful works of art, designed by an acclaimed
artist and constructed in a stained glass studio of the highest technical
standards. The
Committee began the project with little knowledge of stained glass
art. We had to choose themes, select an artist to design the themes
in stained glass, and find a studio to work with the artist in
constructing the windows. The two stained glass windows already in
the chapel established our standard. These two windows are fine
works of art and it was decided that the new windows should be of the same
high quality and reflect the historic nature of the Chapel. We
visited other churches to view stained glass designed by various
artists. We did this both as a Committee and individually in Halifax
and elsewhere in the province. Also in the past year one member was
able to view stained glass windows in cathedrals and museum exhibits in
five European countries: Holland, Belgium, Austria, Hungary, and the Czech
Republic. As a result of this research we became confident that our
choice of stained glass artist Sue Obata working in association with
Sattler Studio of West LaHave, Nova Scotia, could deliver the high
standard we were looking for. Sue
Obata, who lives in Toronto, is a stained glass artist with an
international reputation and Norbert
and Helga Sattler operate stained glass studios in both Germany and
Nova Scotia. They use only genuine antique glass, which is
manufactured by age-old methods, and which was important in achieving the
quality of art we wanted and in fitting most suitably in the historic
space. The
Sattlers, who have carried out projects in Europe and across North America
(from Halifax to Honolulu), recently associated with Ms Obata to design
several large stained glass windows for a church in New York city.
We developed a good working relationship with Helga and Norbert Sattler
and Sue Obata and they poured out their talents on our windows. Each
window is an exceptional work of art. Together they create a
powerful effect in the Chapel. Light quality is all-important in
stained glass, the most architectural of the arts, and the warm stained
glass light from our windows lends a special atmosphere to the
Chapel. Moreover, the windows change from hour to hour, in different
lighting and in different weather. We are also pleased that they
were designed by a Canadian artist and built right here in Nova Scotia. The
windows along with the new oak side doors are important elements in
completing All Souls Chapel. These elements tie the Chapel and
Columbarium together to form an integrated whole. All Souls Chapel
is a special, sacred place for the worship and praise of God in our
parish. Now it is also an extremely fine architectural interior. As
with the Columbarium project a year ago, the stained glass windows were
completed on budget, on time, and at no cost to the church. The
Committee wishes to thank the sponsors of the windows and other items for
their generosity. We also thank Parish Council and all Parishioners
for their support. We were able to undertake this complex project by
working cooperatively together, through prayer at each stage, and always
in the spirit of Christian love.
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