St. Luke’s Church Windows

Most of the stained glass windows in St. Luke’s were made by Mr. Albert C. Handel (1886- 1948), (who was taught by Lyon Cottier but took his own distinct direction) and his son Philip John Handel. Philip recently visited the church, and accepted our request to provide details.

Albert Handel was a committed Christian, who sought to express his faith through his art. He painted the “Light of the World” window (based on Holman Hunt’s famous painting) in 1941, “St. Paul” (1942); “I am the Way- Follow me” (1946); and “Jesus in the Carpenter’s shop” (1947).

Philip Handel’s “work outlook is similar to his father’s- to interpret the Scriptures, as a visual aid to worship - something he believes as a committed Christian - not just to beautify a building, although the magnificent colour and texture of glass is in itself a bonus.”

Philip painted the two windows on the north side of the chancel, “Jesus healing the sick” in 1956. This window is so apt with regard to the healing dimension in this church’s ministry over many years. Philip also painted the “St. George” window in 1953, which is adjacent to the war memorials.

The east end Sanctuary windows were not painted by the Handels, but by Arthur Benfield(of Frank G. O’Brien). The centre panel depicts King David.

Varieties of Creativity

The new is important as well as the old. In recent decades banners have been added. The painting in the chancel by Rebecca Johnstone depicts the theme, “Out of darkness Into Light”.

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