Diamond Jubilee of Queen VictoriaPrint Page

The stained glass window commemorates sixty years of the reign of Queen Victoria.

Victoria (24 May 1819 – 22 January 1901) was Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837 until her death. From 1 May 1876, she adopted the additional title of Empress of India. With a reign of 63 years, seven months and two days, Victoria was the longest -reigning British monarch and the longest-reigning queen regnant in world history until her great-great-granddaughter Queen Elizabeth II surpassed her on 9 September 2015.

Queen Victoria`s birthday, 24th May, used to be called `Empire Day`. There were special assemblies at school with songs praising the British Empire. Children were then given a half-day holiday. Up to the 1950s, Empire Day was celebrated in Australia with huge bonfires and fireworks.

A stained-glass window, somewhat unusual in conception, was placed in Christ Church, Castlemaine, in honour of the Queen’s reign, and unveiled by the mayor of the town on Accession Day. The “Subject” of the window is “The Light of the World.” In the centre light Christ is represented shedding light in all directions. This falls, in the left hand light, on the Jewish race, represented by Abraham and David. In the right-hand light the Gentile world, represented by Cornelius, the centurion, and the Ethiopian whom Philip baptized, is shown, also receiving light from Christ. Cornelius is kneeling, in armour, with Roman eagle. &c.; the Ethiopian holding a scroll of Isaiah. Below the figure of Christ, between Jews and Gentiles, is Saul of Tarsus, struck down by the light. In the tracery above Christ is shown as “ruler of the kings of the earth.” A suitable inscription is on the glass below. Mr. Montgomery, of Flinders-street, designed and executed the whole work.
The Argus (Melbourne), 24th July 1897.

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