St. Stephen’s Cathedral Catholic Church, Brisbane, Australia.

The Ascension (B) 1923 (3 lights)

 St. Stephen’s Cathedral Catholic Church, 249 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane, Queensland 4000  Australia

The Ascension window was commissioned in memory to Isaac and William Mayne, brothers of the donors, Dr. and Miss Mayne. The window had to be completed and installed by 10th June 1923. When completed it was considered to be one of the finest examples of stained glass in Australia (St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Brisbane website). The window was restored during February and May in 2009 by the Eumundi studio. The window consists of three lancets that comprise thirty-two panels (The Catholic Leader: 3rd May 2009). A quatrefoil and two small tracery lights are positioned above each of the three tall, narrow lancets. In the quatrefoil of the left light an angel carries a shield depicting a spear and a lath with a sponge. In the top panels seven angels are depicted in brilliantly coloured robes. The fifth angel carries a banner with the symbols of a club; the sixth angel bears the symbols of the scourging pillar; the seventh angel bears the symbol of a hammer and pincers. In the main panels five apostles are depicted in profile. In the quatrefoil above the central light, the angel carries a shield containing the symbol of a ladder. In the top panels of the central light, six angels are depicted. The second angel carries a shield with the symbol of three dice; the third angel carries the symbol of nails while the fifth and sixth angels carry a shield that displays the chalice of suffering. In the main panels Christ stands above the brilliant sunset. Mary stands below attired in a blue cloak and a shimmering robe. In the quatrefoil above the right light, the angel carries a shield containing the symbol of a cross. In the top panels of the right light, seven angels are depicted. The fourth angel carries a shield with the symbol of the crown or thorns; the sixth angel carries the symbol of a robe while the seventh angel bears a shield that depicts a lantern.  In the lower panels, six apostles are depicted in profile. The window is inscribed: In Memoriam Isaac and William Mayne. It is signed in the lower right panel.

References

St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Brisbane, Australia website: ____The Catholic Leader, Catholic Treasures Restored, Brisbane, 3rd May 2009 Link to restoration website: