Beeston St John the Baptist

Glass

Key to windows

Nave and Chancel

1 The window shows Eve giving Adam the apple, and being banished from Eden.

To the glory of God and in the memory of the late Vicar John Wolley MA. This window is dedicated by his old parishioners and friends AD 1878

2 The west window shows the Doom - the Day of Judgement.

This window is erected by his two surviving sons in memory of John Watson of this parish who died November 18th 1876 in the 86th year of his life.

John Watson was a local silk mill owner, and his sons were Samuel and John Watson.

3This window shows the Widow’s Mite and the Raising of Lazarus. An inscription reads:

To the glory of God and in memory of Frederick Robert Baxter who departed on the xth day of September in the year of our Lord MDCCCLIX aged xx years. On whose soul Jesu have mercy.

4,5Windows of plain glass

6 The window shows the risen Christ and is engraved: ‘I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear but now mine eyes seeth thee.’

A plaque reads:

Erected in memory of John Fellows of Beeston Fields Nottinghamshire who died December 12 1873 aged 36 by his brother George Fellows.

7,8Windows of plain glass

9A window to the right of the organ is dedicated:

To the glory of God and in memory of Howard Charlton Browne Sergt 2/5 Sherwood Foresters killed in action 21 March 1918 between Queant and Noreuil after 3½ years active service. Aged 24 years. A member of the choir of this church. And he hath put a new song in my mouth. 40 Psalms 3V.

[Beeston Gazette and Echo newspaper dated 2 April 1921 carried an article stating that this memorial plaque was unveiled and dedicated ‘last week in church’ to Sergeant Brown who was a member of Beeston Parish Church prior to the Great War and was killed in France during the great German push of 21 March 1918. The scroll was dedicated by the Vicar, Rev W P Cole-Sheane.]

10 The window on the north side of the sanctuary shows a pelican nurturing its young and the Phoenix of the Resurrection. A dedication reads:

In memory of John Wolley eldest son of John and Mary Wolley born 13 May 1823 died 20 November 1859.

11 The East Window was erected in 1854. The lower panel shows St John the Baptist (centre) with Isaiah, Moses, Aaron and David on either side. The upper panels have Jesus (centre) with Matthew, Mark, Luke and John (the four Evangelists). The dedication is as follows:

Contributed in memory of John Wolley vicar of this parish died 3 May 1841 aged 45 years.
Mary Anne eldest daughter of the above died 9 October 1841 aged 14
Hurt Mart 4th son of the above died 11 July 1831 age 1 year
Richard 7th son of the above died 23 March 1831 an infant
Caroline 4th daughter of the above died 13 February 1839 an infant
Francis 6th son of the above died 20 December 1852 age 17 years
Sarah wife of John Watson of this parish died 10 February 1837 age 29
Sarah sister of the above John Wolley died 3 August 1819 age 60
Mary wife of Thomas Elliott died 29 October 1832 age 51
William Barker died 9 March 1829 age 66
Mary Barker died 23 May 1831 age 66

12 A depiction of the Agnus Dei and the holy Dove in the window on the south side of the sanctuary. Dedicated:

In the memory of George Wolley second son of John and Mary Wolley born 28 October 1824 died at his home near Durban Natal 12 October 1863

13 This window shows two New Testament scenes involving Jesus and Peter: Peter’s call to be a disciple, and his receiving the keys of the kingdom. It is dedicated:

In memory of John Wolley MA Vicar of this parish from 1 March 1822 to 20 June 1854. He died 16 November 1877

14 This window proclaims the Gospel Sacraments, showing the Baptism of Christ and the Last Supper. Angels below are proclaiming: Peace on earth and Goodwill towards men. The dedication reads:

In memory of James Nixon Esq of Beeston A Benefactor of this church Obit 12 November 1850. Christ have mercy upon us

15A plain glass window, but a plaque on the floor below reads:

The window above is a memorial of Edward Wolley Lieut in HM 5th Reg Light Infantry. Son of John and Mary Wolley. He died at sea 19 May 1858 Aged 27.

16 Depicts the charity of Dorcas; widows shewing the coats; St Peter raising Dorcas (Acts 9.36)

In memory of Sarah Watson of this parish, died 20 January 1890

17 Depicts Christ carrying the cross and blessing the wine at the Eucharist

In memory of Joseph Goodson. Churchwarden during the rebuilding of this church in the year of our Lord 1844. Departed this life October VIII MDCCCLVIII aged 54 years

also

In remembrance of Elizabeth relict of Joseph Goodson of Beeston who departed this life April IX MDCCCLXXIV aged 77 years

18 The window depicts Peter and John healing a cripple at the Beautiful gate (Acts 3). The window is by Charles E Kempe, and includes his trademark peacock feathers.

In memory of James Butler MRCS born at Halifax, Nova Scotia 26 March 1819 died 25 February 1893. Contributed by friends

James Butler was a doctor who practised in Market Street (now Middle Street, Beeston).

19Plain glass.

Stained glass above the chancel arch

Two archangels - St Gabriel and St Michael

In memory of Lt Howard Wolley, son of former vicar, who died at sea. July 1859

Window in Vicar’s vestry

Half window showing an angel, half plain. This was erected in 1877 by Mr C F Fellowes, in memory of his nieces Susan and Cicely Scott. However, it was damaged by vandals in 1973 and replaced by modern coloured glass.

Other Windows

Window above the porch door - plain glass

Windows in the tower - stained panels showing bells

Glass in the choir vestry is plain.