Stained Glass
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St Nicholas Church is fortunate to have some important stained glass from the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. It has:
5 lights by Mayer and Co—Munich and London.
2 lights by Percy Bacon—London
2 lights by Herbert W Bryans—London
2 lights by James Powell and Sons –Whitefriars London.
The Herbert Bryan Window (detail)
This consists of 2 lights with female figures portraying the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary, with the inscription ; “ECCE ANCILLA DOMINI FIAT MIHI SECUNDUM VERBUM TUUM”. [Here I am the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.—St. Luke 1. 38.) Dedicated on April 19th.1914, in memory of Mary Ann & John C. Cunliffe and Elizabeth & James Whitworth.
The painting was done by Mr Herbert W Bryans of London [1855-1925] a former pupil of the notable Mr C.E.Kempe [1838-1907] of London.
A running dog is the characteristic trademark of the company.
Powell and Sons (Whitefriars) Window (detail)
This window consists of 2 lights with figures of St. Nicholas and St. Bega. A memorial to Richard and Jane Ashworth. Dated 1935. From the firm of James Powell and Sons of Whitefriars—London.
St Nicholas (patron saint of sailors - hence the ship)
St Bega
A monk outlined in black is the charateristic trademark of the company.
Window 4. (no picture) consists of 2 lights picturing Jesus blessing the children, and St. Peter walking on the water. A memorial to James Hutchinson and family. The glass suffers from the 'Borax' problem.
Mayer & Co Munich and London (detail)
This window consists of 2 lights illustrating Education of the Young and The Giving of Alms. Made by Mayer & Co. Munich and London. Given by John Piccope Esq. in June 1885, of Ivy Cottage, who held the post of Master of the National Schools of Newchurch and Rawtenstall, in memory of Elizabeth Piccope who died 11th May 1884 aged 72 years.
This window consists of 2 lights illustrating various charitable acts. Given by Captain Patrick in 1884 in memory of the late Mrs Patrick.
This window is on the South Side of the NARTHEX and is known as the Good Shepherd Window. Made by Mayer & Co. Munich and London. Installed in January 1890—To the Glory of God, and in loving memory of Alice Mary, devoted wife of George Watkinson of Woodside, Hipperholme, and the other members of the ‘Lord Family’ of Ashlands, Newchurch
NORTH SIDE
The window to the right, was renovated in 2010 and consists of 2 lights, with the
inscription under saying, “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness”. Made by Mayer & Co. Munich and London. In memory of George Pilling 1894 and his wife Ann Pilling.
The window to the left, consists of 2 lights, with the inscription under saying, “All were astonished at his wisdom and his understanding, he expounded unto them and things concerning himself”. Made by Mayer & Co. Munich and London.
Percy Bacon Window (detail)
This window consists of 2 lights picturing Martha and Mary, a memorial to Susan Crankshaw, 1928. Made by Percy Bacon of London.
Although the window is signed 'Percy Bacon,' there appears to be little information about the company other than it was based in London.
Brother James of Ulm
This window came from St. John’s Church, Cloughfold, and consists of 2 lights picturing Bro. James of Ulm and St. John the Divine. A memorial to William Taylor 1954. Bro. James of Ulm is Patron Saint of stained glass window painters.
On the closure of St John's Church, the majority of the stained glass ended up in Vancouver Cathedral in Canada.
The East Window
The East window is dated 1853 but its maker is at present unknown. The panels depict scenes from the life of Christ. The original East window of 1824, was probably made from plain glass but there is the possibility that it had one small coloured light at the very top. When the window was remodelled some of the top tracery was changed. There is a small coloured window above the inner West Door and is a memorial to Laurence Lord of Boothfold. This has a Coat of Arms and the date 1825 when he died. The reason for this window being where it is, is uncertain, but could be linked to the formation of the present church after it was pulled down in 1824 and rebuilt. Its shape matches that of the original tracery.
