Saint George Anglican Church Memorial Windows, Parkes

There are two stained glass war memorial windows within St George's Anglican Church, Parkes. The larger window is the focal point of the western end of the Church, which was consecrated by the Right Reverend Arnold Lomas Wylde on 24 November 1956. It is dedicated to all service personnel from Parkes and the surrounding district who fell in the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War. The window was a gift from the Parkes sub-Branch of the Returned Sailors, Soldiers and Airman’s Imperial League of Australia (RSL).

The design of the larger window contains many symbols of service and sacrifice. The tracery members include images of the sun, the moon, stars, the letters Alpha and Omega, and symbols representing the elements earth, air, fire, and water. The 'Four Rivers of Paradise' are represented immediately above the centre light and are believed to symbolise the Four Evangelists. In the centre light, Jesus Christ is depicted as King. Below him is a young soldier who has sacrificed himself for his country. The side lights contain various figures representing 'Service', including a young sailor, a young airman, a bishop, and men who have served faithfully and are awaiting the final call. At the apex of one side-light, St George is shown spearing the dragon. At the apex of the other side-light, Saint Michael is depicted spearing an unknown figure.

The smaller war memorial window depicts John the Baptist baptising Jesus in the Jordan River. This window is dedicated to Lance Sergeant Victor Bruce Mastin, who died in Malaya in the Second World War, at the age of 21. He is buried in the Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. His parents were Alfred Percy and Clara Avis Mastin of Parkes.

Sources:

• The Champion Post, 26 November 1956
• The Golden Seed, Winter/Spring 2020 edition
• Commonweatlh War Graves Commission online listing for Lance Sergeant Victor Bruce Mastin