Edinburgh: St Cuthbert's Parish Church of Scotland: Church, South Side

The Baptism of Jesus Christ

Window of one rectangular light.

This window depicts the Baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist. The Holy Spirit in the form of a dove is descending on the scene.

Inscription:
‘This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased’ (Matthew 3:17/Matthew 17:5/Mark 1:11)

Dedication:
‘Dedicated to God in Grateful Remembrance of 25 years ministry in this Church and Parish by James MacGregor DD H.R.S.A. 30 Oct 1898’.

Artist/Designer:
Alexander Ballantine and Rev. A Wallace Williamson
BALLANTINE: James Ballantine and Son: (James: 1808-1877, Alexander: 1841-1906, James: 1878-1940) The founder James, was born in Edinburgh. He was apprenticed to a house-painter as a young man and had few advantages in the way of education. He later campaigned for the education of apprentices beyond the craft/trade they were learning. He also mixed paints as a young man for David Roberts, a scenic artist at the Theatre Royal. He continued by apprenticing in Stained Glass and established his own business (with a partner) in 1837. James was out spoken in leading the Stained Glass design aesthetic in Scotland and was incredibly prolific. His son Alexander took over the firm in 1877, he then trained his son James, who took over the firm in 1906.

Firm/Company:
Ballantine and Gardiner- (Partnership: 1892-1905) This was a successful partnership between Alexander Ballantine (1841-1906) (son of James Ballantine) and Herbert Gardiner ( - ) of Leicester. They were incredibly prolific for their short partnership together.