The East Window

The East Window

 The magnificent East Window draws the eye from the moment you walk into St Helens Parish Church. Also known as the Te Deum Window it is divided into two portions by the transom. The lower part gives in outline the story of Jesus’ life on earth, while the upper part shows His reign in glory in heaven with the adoration of saints and angels.

The lower part: the central theme is the Crucifixion of Jesus with the attendant figures of Mary and John. Four pictures on the north side show scenes from earlier in Jesus’ life: the Nativity, the Adoration of the Kings (or Magi), his presentation in the temple and his baptism. The pictures on the south show his Resurrection, the supper at Emmaus (which is the theme of the reredos in the side chapel), the charge to St Peter to be the rock on which the Lord will build his Church and finally the Ascension.

The upper part has in the centre, Jesus glorious - the King of Heaven in majesty. He is flanked by St Mary and St John the baptist. In the outer lights, there can be seen the four Evangelists. Below them are three tiers of figures: seven of the nine orders of Angels, Apostles, Martyrs, Doctors, Confessors, Penitents, and Holy Innocents. In the main tracery piece of the central portion is shown the Dove (symbol of the Holy Spirit) with the coats of arms of the Dioceses of Chester and Liverpool at the heads of the north and south portions of the window.

The window was presented by Mrs C. J. Bishop in memory of her husband and other members of the family, and Sir David Gamble and his wife, Dame Elizabeth Gamble.