The Guiding Light Window
[over entrance St Bartholomew on LaHave Church]
In 2006, Andrew Ritcey commissioned Sattler’s Stained Glass Studio along with Sue Obata to design and make a stained glass window in memory of his mother Margaret Townshend Sherwood Ritcey. Margaret was a beloved wife and mother whose character each day of her life reflected the thoughts, words, and deeds of the Lord in whom she trusted.
The design of the window depicts the Guiding Light of God. The theme of this window is expressed in the text: “Thy Word is a lamp to my feet and a Light to my path”. The window above the west front entrance of the building is a combination of traditional and contemporary symbolism, which gives new life. It reflects what Margaret meant to her family: faithful, honest, and authentic. Credit for the description of the window belongs to the artist, Sue Obata, along with the help of Neale Bennet who was the Coordinator of Spiritual and Religious Care at the Capital District Health Authority in Halifax.
At the top is a mosaic in three shades of glowing amber, symbolizing God’s holy light – shimmering, mysterious, warm and hopeful. Also, at the top, is an equal sided triangle, which is a traditional symbol of the Holy Trinity. The three distinct sides and angles are individual elements, but combined they form one image, suggesting the divine unity of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The circle at the bottom represents earth (as opposed to the Heavens), where God’s guiding light is revealed through the Word. In the centre of the circle is an opened Bible with the text from Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”. The circle also reflects equality in that every point on the circle is equal distance from the centre. As well, it represents eternity and never-ending motion – like a wheel – symbolizing the timeliness of God’s guiding light.
The flowers and apples illustrate some of bountiful blessings of Creation and represent love. The music represents prayer – as St. Augustine said, those who sing pray twice.
Each colour used in the window has a symbolic meaning. Blue represents heavenly love and the unveiling of truth. Red represents love and is the colour of Pentecost. Gray is used as a counter-point to contrast the warm and vibrant colours of amber and blue. The flecks of red around the Bible, symbolize the Holy Spirit.
Those on the south shore of Nova Scotia know the importance of a beacon, shining light on the right path through rocky seas. Margaret Ritcey, through her deep and steadfast faith, followed the guiding light of the Lord. May her life and this window be an inspiration and invitation to you, to reflect on your own life and faith, the path you follow and the beacon you can be for others.