4 Superb Stained Glass Panels added to the Congregational Church

 

The 4 panels designed and donated by Catherine Packer & Friends

Photo by Peter Hill

On Saturday 19th November 2022, a number of people were invited to the Congregational Church, High Street, Wivenhoe for the unveiling of 4 superb stained glass panels. These had been donated by Catherine Packer who, with the support of some friends, had raised the money to pay for their creation.

The inspiration for them came from the loss of her husband, Ron, who died in 2015. The panels have been donated to the Congregational Church and have been hung on the wall in its Sanctuary in the traditional order of the four seasons in nature starting with Spring.

Catherine Packer said: “Across all four panels there is a continuous rolling landscape to represent the journey each of us makes through life as we meet love, loss, grief, despair, hope and remembering”. “I hope that this quiet place will offer you the opportunity to reflect and remember, to pause  and maybe smile, but above all to cherish and hold in your heart the person you love and miss.”

There is a very informative and colourful booklet which describes the panels and their significance that can be taken away.

The Sanctuary in the Congregational Church provides this special place for people to sit and remember. There is a votive candle holder there for anyone to light a candle for a loved one, or write on a leaf to hang on the Church’s memory tree.

The Church is open at designated times for private visits, and the Minister, Rev’d Justin Luniss, or a member of his team, can be available if you want to talk.  Numbers to call to arrange a visit are Justin 07540 931683 or Debbie on 07766 101306.

The artist and graphic designer who Catherine Packer and Friends commissioned to make the panels to their design is Viv Wilkins. Her contact details are:  Tel: 01773 812186 Email: viv@vivwilkins-glassart.co.uk and website: www.vivwilkins-glassart.co.uk