New window is dedicated at St Mark’s

The window depicts the winged lion which is the symbol of St. Mark’s gospel and also contains a picture of a sword which will remind us of two New Testament passages – Ephesians 6:17 and Hebrews 4:12 - where the sword represents the Word of God.

Measuring six feet by three feet, the window was designed by David Esler, the proprietor of Leadlines and David Esler based at Donegore, County Antrim.

The stained glass panel dedicated is the centrepiece of an overall artistic design which, when completed, will cover most of the high-level glass screen created in St. Mark’s as part of the major renovation and redesign of the Church carried out in 2010.

In his address during the Patronal Festival Service the Rector of St. Mark’s, Canon George Irwin made reference to the significance of the winged lion both as a symbol of St. Mark the Evangelist and also an ancient symbol of the resurrection.

He also recalled the sterling service rendered to the Church and Parish over the years by the late Sammy and Peggy Bryson who were foundation members of the Parish of Ballymacash created in 1967.

Reflecting on the progress of St. Mark’s Church over the years he had this to say, “Thanks to the grace and guidance of God and the unremitting commitment of people down through the generations, the Church has maintained its witness.

“Sometimes, difficult decisions have had to be taken and courage was required.”

“And each time we have been blessed by God.

“And if today, on the occasion of our Patronal Festival, we look back it is not because we are sentimental, but in order to remind ourselves that we stand on the shoulders of those wonderful servants of God like Sammy and Peggy Bryson whose love of God and commitment to the extension of his Kingdom in days gone by have to a great extent made us what we are.”