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Church window dedicated to Charles Mann, wife June & Family
Charles Mann wanted to make a fitting memorial to his wife, June, who
passed away two years ago so, he commissioned a stained-glass window in
the Anglican Church of the Messiah in Kincardine.
"It seemed like a fine idea at the time, but then what about the rest of
the family?" says Mann. "What about our daughter, Melodee, and our son,
Martin, and their families?'
Subsequently, the memorial became a window honouring Charles and June
Mann and their family. "That way, it includes the whole gang," says
Mann, with a laugh.
With the window ready, Mann needed a design of some sort. He spoke to
pastor Dennis Cluley, who has been his friend for years, and Cluley
brought around an old Bible that reminded Mann of one his mother had.
We looked at a couple of pictures that might suit and finally I settled
on the one of Jesus revealing himself to Mary after He had risen from
the tomb," says Mann. "It's the first time anybody knew Jesus had risen
from the dead. It shows Jesus, with Mary kneeling and in back is the
open door of the tomb. At the very top in the clouds is a dove to
indicate peace." (next column)
18/02/2009 01:34 AM
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Charles Mann holds a photo of wife, June
Margriet Van Erp of SeeView Gallery in Kincardine created the artwork.
"She did a wonderful job," says Mann. "She is a superb artist."
Mann chose the blank window at the back on the east side of the Anglican
church, which he has attended all his life, along with his family. This
leaves one blank window at the back on the west side. "I've seen those
blank windows in the church for 40 to 50 years now," he says.
The new stained-glass window was installed December 12 and dedicated
December 14. "It was a stormy day," recalls Mann. "Melodee made it here
but Martin couldn't."
Mann says it's a fitting tribute to his wife whom he loved very much.
"It's a very satisfying, gratifying, and loving feeling I have seeing
that window in the church," says Mann. "I'm a firm believer in Christ.
He has treated me and my family extremely well and I am extremely
grateful."
At 86, Mann continues to live in his own home on Huron Terrace in
Kincardine, with his two schnauzers, 'Emily' and 'Little Bit.' He keeps
busy, walking the dogs three to four times per day. Besides his son and
daughter, he has three grandchildren and one great-grandson.
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