Two Torquay Churches 2 The Glass

This post shows the stained glass of St. John the Apostle Church Torquay. I have covered the history of this unique church in Part 1 here.

There are two main windows of note in the church, both of them designed by Sir Edward Burne-Jones the foremost Pre-Raphaelite artist of the period.

This detail is from the East Window made by William Morris of curtains and wallpaper fame. Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. (1861–1875) was a furnishings and decorative arts manufacturer and retailer founded by the artist and designer William Morris with friends from the Pre-Raphaelites. With its successor Morris & Co. (1875–1940) the firm's medieval-inspired aesthetic and respect for hand-craftsmanship and traditional textile arts had a profound influence on the decoration of churches and houses into the early 20th century.

Although its most influential period was during the flourishing of the Arts and Crafts Movement in the 1880s and 1890s, Morris & Co. remained in operation in a limited fashion from World War I until its closure in 1940.

This window represents "the Church triumphant in the Heavenly Jerusalem". There are ten main panels. The outer four depict angels in twofold aspects of angelic life, adoration above in the form of playing musical instruments, and ministering to humanity below. The other panels depict characters of various orders of men and women found in the New Jerusalem. The two central panels depict Virgins, Matrons and small children above and Archbishops and Bishops below. To the right are depicted Kings and Priests, and Confessors and Martyrs and to the left are the Prophets and Apostles.

The Great West Window was also executed by William Morris who regarded this as such an important order for his workshop that he insisted on visiting the church in person. The design is based on one in Jesus College Chapel, Cambridge, "Nine Choirs of Angels".

The overwhelming impression on first seeing this window is the strength of colours in red and blue and the boldness and majesty of the ten figures, which represent the Nine Choirs of Angels and St. John himself.

The large rose window features an unusual beardless figure of Christ, dressed in white with a crown of thorns. The figure displays the five wounds, including that in his side where he lifts the robe to reveal it.

On the left representing the Angels, leading a man forward while holding two small children, this figure in blue also holds a pilgrim's staff with a water gourd hanging from it. Angels are the lowest order, often acting as guardian angels for individuals.

On the right representing the Archangels in red, the figure carries a sword and blows a trumpet. Again in the lowest order Archangels deliver important messages to humans and lead armies against evil.

The next figure alternating in blue again is the Cherubim, with an open book held in both hands. Blue represents Divine Contemplation and wisdom is implied by the book. Cherubim are in the highest order and are guardians of God's glory and divine knowledge.

On the right is the Seraphim swinging an incense burner, or censer. This figure represents perfect love. The highest order, "burning ones" who communicate God's love and surround His throne.

This figure represents Thrones and holds a set of scales and a throne. The scales represent equality and justice. Thrones are the third highest order in the Nine Choirs of Angels (often placed after Seraphim and Cherubim) in Christian angelic hierarchy.

The figure on the left depicts Dominions or Dominations. The figure holds a crook in the right hand and a miniature building in the left. The Choir of Dominions (or Dominations) are the fourth-ranking order of angels in Christian angelic hierarchy, acting as "heavenly managers" who regulate lower angel choirs to carry out God’s will.

The figure on the right represents Principalities. He holds a palm frond and a celestial sphere. The Choir of Principalities is the seventh of the nine angelic choirs, belonging to the third, lowest hierarchy that deals directly with human affairs. As guardians and rulers of nations, cities, and the Church, they guide leaders, inspire arts and sciences, and protect groups of people from evil.

On the left is the figure of St. John. He holds a chalice with a serpent emerging. This alludes to the legend of the poisoned wine. According to legend, St. John the Evangelist was challenged to drink a cup of poisoned wine by a pagan priest in Ephesus to prove his faith. Upon blessing the cup, the poison emerged in the form of a serpent (or dragon), allowing him to drink it safely. This event symbolizes his protection and the triumph of faith over death.

On the right is the figure representing Powers, who holds a dart in the right hand while crushing Satan underfoot in chains. The Choir of Powers (or Potestates) is the sixth of nine angelic choirs in traditional Christian angelology, acting as warrior angels and frontline defenders against evil spirits. They guard the cosmos and humanity, maintaining order and preventing chaos by battling demonic forces.

The last figure is Virtues who holds a lily the symbol of virtue. The Choir of Virtues are the fifth of the nine angelic choirs, known as "shining ones" or spirits of motion. They are responsible for overseeing natural elements, celestial movements, and performing miracles on Earth. They also bestow divine strength, courage, and grace upon mortals, helping them persevere in faith.

There are two smaller rose windows above the angels which feature visiting the sick and the parable of the Good Samaritan.

This is one of the windows in the chapel of the south aisle. It is dedicated to St. Michael and All Angels.