Stained Glass

Avendale has several interesting stained-glass windows some of which are featured here.

In the west transept there is the St Andrew’s Window. This was installed in 1972 to mark the 200th anniversary of the church. This window depicts St Andrew and the industries of the parish. The symbol of the burning bush is incorporated into the design

On the pulpit wall, on the west side of the pulpit, is a stained-glass window representing the Good Samaritan. This was presented by Thomas Tennent, Bank Agent, of Priestgill

To the east of the pulpit, the stained-glass window represents Christ and the Woman of Samaria, and was presented by James Millar Bank Agent, of Syde, in memory of his wife, Jane Tennent.

On the east side of the church, there is a stained-glass window, presented by the Rev Duncan Taylor, depicting the appearance of Christ to Mary Magdalene.

This stained glass window of simple Celtic design is located at the entrance of the sanctuary.

This window bearing the family coat of arms of the Duke of Hamilton is located in the centre section of the gallery to the south of the church once reserved for the senior Heritor, the Duke of Hamilton and his family and tenants. Even today this area is known as the Duke’s Loft.

On 7 April 1996 a new stained-glass window was dedicated in Avendale. The window was the work of Mr Crear McCartney, of Wiston, who was for many years Principal Teacher of Art at Lesmahagow High School. The window is dedicated to Mrs lsabel Simpson, who requested that the theme of the window should be based on the Last Supper. The window is situated in the outer wall of the central rear section of the sanctuary.This window represents the union of Christ with his Church through the Sacrament of the Eucharist. The elements of bread and wine are symbolised by five- ears of corn and the Cup. The cup is encircled by the crown of thorns - symbol of Christ's sacrifice on the cross. The bread stands amid spring flowers - symbol of his resurrection. Symbols of the Christ, alpha and omega, and the fish occupy the head and foot of the design. Our second great Sacrament, Baptism, is marked by the fish in the waters of the Avon. The fish and the ears of corn relate to Christ's teaching with the Sermon on the Mount. The design is controlled throughout by the use of mystical numbers associated with the Christ since the days of the early church. The number 2 signifies the Human and Divine -nature of Christ - the fish and the alpha and omega. The number 5 signifies Christ's suffering on the cross, five ears of corn - his broken body; five thorns - his wounds. The number 12 expresses Christ and his church. 12 flowers represent the Apostles, and are further subdivided - three primroses represent the Holy Trinity four snowdrops represent the four Evangelists five angel's tears represent the trumpet and proclaim triumph over death, rebirth and resurrection

In the reception area of Avendale is an eye-catching piece of stained-glass, the work of Gus Abbot, who now lives in Edinburgh. The work revolves around three eternal images - nature of God, face of Christ, and the many religious symbols expressing the truth of God. It is in three sections. the two end sections being almost mirror images of a stylised dove. The Christ figure is anonymous. Whatever he looked like is irrelevant compared with the effect of his message and the power of his presence. The left and right panels also represent contrast - male/female dark/light air/earth, and fire/water. The Christ figure unites the two, stands on a rock and acts as an intermediary between man and God

© 2012 Avendale Old and Drumclog