Stained Glass Window in Memory of Harris (Douglas) Ritcey
installed in Fort Massey United Church, Halifax NS
Serve the Lord with gladness: Come before Him singing
To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of “Harris Douglas” Ritcey
Honorary Elder, Beloved Soloist & Chorister who shared God’s love
through music for over Sixty years
Artist Design Elements
Sue Obata Designer and Artist
Sattler’s Stained Glass Studio – West LaHave, NS
I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin
My hand will save.
I, who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord.
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord,
if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have borne my people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them.
They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone,
Give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my word to them.
Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord.
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord,
if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them.
My hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide
Till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them.
Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord.
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord,
if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
One of H. Douglas Ritcey’s favourite hymns was “I, the Lord of Sea and Sky”, shown above. It evoked images for artist Sue Obata which she used in the design with King David and his harp and the Musical Angels.
The artist refers to the influences of the design with the following:
“I the Lord of the sea and sky” “I – the Lord of the snow and rain is the reference for the images in the top left and right kite shapes and the bottom left and right below the flames.
“I the Lord of wind and flame” is the reason for the red flames in the bottom and left and right windows and for the background “movement” that circles through all three windows.
The stars behind the musical angels are in reference to “I who made the stars of night”.
And the light behind and above King David refers to “I will make their darkness bright”.
The roses, as symbols of love, refer to the verse – “I will break their hearts of stone, give them hearts for love alone”.