From the Royal Cornwall Gazette, Friday 18th July 1845, page 2.
St Mary’s Church, Truro.—To the improvements which have been recently effected in the interior of this Church, with much liberality, taste, and judgement, an addition has just been made by the erection of two handsome stained-glass windows at the eastern end, and by some corresponding alterations of the altar-screen. The altar-window consists of five compartments; each of which comprises a niche and lofty canopy, in the perpendicular style. In these five principal niches, on rich damascene grounds, are represented full-size figures, of the Saviour, St. John the Evangelist, St. James the Less, St. Philip, and St. Simon. The Saviour holds in his right hand a globe, on which are depicted emblematic representations of the three great eras of the Church; while, depending from his arm is a scroll, bearing the inscription, “Surgite, eamus.” The four apostles named, bear emblems signficant of the mode in which they severally suffered martyrdom; they also bear scrolls, with their names inscribed thereon. Above these five principal figures are smaller representations of St. John the Baptist, St. Peter, and St. Paul, with Angels, in attitudes of prayer and praise, and various other appropriate figures and emblems.—The South window is mostly emblematic. The body of the window is composed of quarrels, interspersed with labels and texts, presenting a quaintly antique appearance, and enclosed by a rich bordering which resolves itself into luxuriant headings of foliage. Inwrought with these are medallions, containing the Christian monogram, and the evangelical emblems, and pendent from the foliated arches are escutcheons on which are depicted symbols of our Lord’s passion. The tracery of the window is chiefly occupied by angels bearing scrolls inscribed with suitable scriptures.—The general effect of these windows is extremely splendid and gorgeous; yet is this effect chastened and subdued to a quietude becoming the sacred edifice to whose adornment this free-will offering has been contributed. So successful an issue to the labours that have been bestowed, and the means that have been supplied, in promotion of these improvements, cannot fail to be warmly appreciated by all who have taken part in them.—But it is our gratification to have to record another decoration of this church—one which presents the pleasing spectacle of a pious offering from the hands of youthful genius. Affixed to the altar screen, in the centre tablet, is a painting of our Lord and his Disciples at Emmaus, exceedingly well executed by a young lady whose artistical taste and talent have for some time been highly estimated in the extensive circle of her friends and acquaintance.—We should add to our notice of the most recent improvements in this Church, that some judicious alterations have been made in the altar screen, with the view of heightening the relief of its sculptured foliage, and of increasing the height of the window. The pipes of the organ have also been illuminated after an antique design; much after the manner in which the organs at Westminster Abbey and the Temple Church are illuminated. The artist, who designed and executed the windows, and who has superintended the other improvements, is Mr. Warrington, of London. For the design of the elegant altar-screen, as also for that of the font recently erected here, the Church is chiefly indebted to J.S. Enys, Esq., of Enys. The execution of the stonework has been by Mr. Pearce, of Lemon-street; it does him great credit. To the Rector and Churchwardens, a cordial acknowledgement of thanks is due, for the zealous devotion of their time and attention, to the procuring of subscriptions, and the general management of the alterations. In conclusion, we would observe that the improvements which have been so satisfactorily executed in this church, while they attest, as we hope, an increased love to its services, offer stimulus and encouragement to like improvements in other parishes. The fact that, as we believe, from 1000l. to 1200l. has been voluntarily subscribed towards the alterations in Truro church, during the last three or four years, is proof that where there is assurance felt that necessary improvements in our sacred edifices will be judiciously effected, the offerings of a willing people will not be wanting.
A shorter version of this article appeared in the Builder, Saturday August 16th 1845 (vol. 3) page 388.
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