Edinburgh: Morningside Parish Church of Scotland, East Window

The Four Evangelists

Window of four lancet lights with tracery.
This window depicts the four Evangelists with their symbols, as well as a scene from their writings below.

Lancet 1:
Upper section:
This section depicts Saint Matthew writing with a quill into a large book open on his lap. An angel, a symbol of Saint Matthew, is draping a scroll around his shoulders.
Lower section:
This section depicts a small nativity scene as the three kings are visiting the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus.

Lancet 2:
Upper section:
This section depicts Saint Mark writing onto a table with a quill. A winged lion, a symbol of Saint Mark, is seen at his shoulders, both looking the same direction.
Lower section:
This section depicts the story of Jesus and the little children.

Lancet 3:
Upper section:
This section depicts Saint Luke writing into an open book with a quill. A winged ox, a symbol of Saint Luke, is seen behind him at his shoulders.
Lower section:
This section depicts the story of the Last Supper and Jesus Christ speaking of the one who will betray him.

Lancet 4:
Upper section:
This section depicts Saint John holding a book and a scroll. An eagle, a symbol of St. John, is seen behind him at his shoulders.
Lower section:
This section depicts the risen Jesus Christ showing his wounds after his Resurrection to his disciples.

Inscription:
Lancet 1:
‘St Matthew’
Lancet 2:
‘St Mark’
Lancet 3:
‘St Luke’
‘Lord it is I’
Lancet 4:
‘St John’

Dedication:
Lancet 1:
‘To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of Alexander Nicol D. November 30th 1898 gifted by his Widow AD 1900.’
Lancet 2:
‘To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of James Murdoch, Glasgow D. April 15th 1899. Gifted by his brother David. AD 1900.’
Lancet 3:
‘To the Glory of God a thank-offering gifted by Susan Edwards. AD 1900.’
Lancet 4:
‘To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of Mrs. Margaret Hull. D. August 21st 1898. Gifted by her daughter AD 1900.’

Artist/Designer:
Edward Burne-Jones- (1883-1898) was born in Birmingham. He attended the Birmingham School of Art from 1848-1852 before studying theology at Exeter College, Oxford. It was at Oxford that Burne-Jones meet William Morris, who became part of a very close and intimate society known as the Birmingham set. This evolved to a business partnership as in 1861, William Morris founded Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. with Burne-Jones amongst others becoming partners in the company. The Morris Co. proved incredibly successful and many stained glass commissions were completed in the UK and abroad. (RM 2010)

Firm/Company:
Morris & Co. - 19th century firm of William Morris (above), often using Burne-Jones as a designer. Formed in April 1861 under the name of Morris, Marshall, Faulkner and Co., it exhibited for the first time in London in 1862. It was reorganised as Morris and Co in 1875, with William Morris as the sole proprietor, when Faulkner and Marshall were bought out. At Morris’ death in 1896 W.A.S. Benson took over the directorship of the firm. In the 1920s the showrooms were transferred from Oxford Street to George Street, London. The firm went into voluntary liquidation in 1940. (RM 2010)