THE PORTER WINDOW 

In memory of Dr and Mrs Thomas Porter

The Rev. Dr Thomas Porter was a medical practitioner who left a successful practice in the USA to enter the ministry. When he first came to Australia he worked in Victoria. He was located at Ballarat, Victoria, when he accepted a call to the Petersham Baptist Church in NSW. He commenced his ministry at Petersham on 2 September 1894 and served there for 13 years. One of the most important events of his ministry was the formation of the Stanmore Church in 1901. This was a direct branching out from Petersham, where the preliminary meetings which gave rise to the formation of the church at Stanmore had begun. Dr A J Waldock says of him: "He was a powerful preacher, a wise expositor of scripture and rendered splendid service for 13 years". In all he was a Minister for 60 years. He was President of the Baptist Union of NSW in 1899-1901.

The window was donated by the Baptist Union of NSW and was unveiled at the church's official opening ceremony on 23 February 1929.

John 10:11- AI am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (NRSV)

The window depicts Jesus, as the good shepherd, holding a shepherd's staff in his right hand and a sheep in his other arm.

Dr Porter's concern for people is demonstrated by the fact that at one stage of his ministry at the Petersham Baptist Church members were asked not to attend the Sunday evening services so that accommodation could be provided for the unconverted. From what we know of him, Dr Porter had a strong concern for both his flock and those outside the fold, and the text is, therefore, regarded as most appropriate.

(Bill Hughes, Church Archivist)