Though some may perceive Meaford as a small town that is a mere pencil dot on a larger map of Canada, or the world for that matter, there are many unique attributes to this town that connect us to the world at large.
There are numerous records within Meaford’s history that suggest that major events have left historical remnants throughout the town. Many famous historical figures have lived in and travelled through the Municipality of Meaford.
It is the remnants of their experience here that brings us closer to history that is typically studied in a disconnected manner in textbooks and allows us to see Meaford’s spot in the greater scheme of things.
The burial site of Tom Thomson at the Leith Church serves as a constant reminder not only for the glorious paintings of Tom Thomson, but the natural inspiration that he found in this area. Just as, the letters of John Muir remind us of his impactful years in the Meaford region where he left a strong message of conservation.
The moment in which I wish to address this week dates back several decades to a time of chaos and war, though it now serves as a majestic touch to a beautiful place in town.
Within the stone walls of the Anglican Christ Church stand large windows whose beauty radiates through the church as the sun projects every colour of the rainbow. These windows are not only unique for the intrinsic detailed art and vibrant colours, but for the historical significance they hold.
Each speckle of beautifully painted glass tells a story of hardship during the Second World war.
During the Second World War, Reverend Harold Appleyard served as a Military Chaplain with the Canadian Army overseas. In his experience overseas he discovered the horrific sites of churches being bombed within the British Isles.
Appleyard collected the remaining shards of glass from the churches and cathedrals to donate to the Anglican Church.
Overall, the memorial windows are comprised of glass from churches and cathedrals in England, France, Belgium, Ireland, Wales, and Holland. Approximately one hundred churches and nine cathedrals throughout theses countries are represented in the beautiful windows of the church.
The memorial windows have many roles in the Anglican Church as they operate as a key to a past full of lessons and as a dedicatory gesture to the many people that gave their lives during the bloody years of the war.
The shattered remnants of broken dreams in churches across Europe collectively compose many majestic windows that allow us to look outward to the lessons of history.
Take an opportunity to visit the memorial windows to experience the exquisite art that has been constructed piece by piece to retell a story of a time when the world was literally shattering around many.
A life-long resident of Meaford, Stephanie Rennie loves to live in and write about the community of Meaford. Stephanie is working in the Children’s Department of the Meaford Public Library this summer. In the fall she will be completing the final year of a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and History at the University of Guelph.
Stephanie is the Assistant Editor for The Meaford Independent.
