Morning Has Broken

This was the first stained glass window Bob designed and executed. It was given by Thelma Whitelaw (now Joyner) and her family in loving memory of her husband, Raymond Wesley Whitelaw. The inscription beneath the window reads

"In memory of Raymond Wesley Whitelaw, Beloved Husband, Father, Friend April 27, 1918 to September 3, 1978"

The idea for a memorial stained glass window originated with Mrs. Whitelaw. The window's location (at the southeastern corner of the sanctuary) was specifically selected as Mr. Whitelaw always sat in this corner pew.

The hymn, "Morning Has Broken", was the inspiration for this window. The window presents a portrait of a dewy garden early in the morning. The scene is sunrise - the break of day. The sun can be seen rising behind the verdant hills. In the tree sits a blackbird singing as the hymn says, "blackbird has spoken like the first bird". Beneath the tree are daisies ranging from buds to fully opened flowers. These reflect "the sweetness of the wet garden sprung in completeness where His feet pass."