Windows of
CANBERRA BAPTIST CHURCH

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THE HIBBERD WINDOW 

In memory of the Reverend and Mrs Frederick Hibberd

Rev Frederick Hibberd was closely involved with the founding of the Baptist Union of NSW. He was the Union's Secretary for 35 years.  He was also President in 1873-74, 1885-86 and 1901-2.

He was trained by C H Spurgeon and was sent to Australia by Spurgeon in response to a request for a Minister for NSW. He arrived on 29 October 1863. He died on 27 October 1908 and Mrs Hibberd died on 31 August 1920.

Following his death the Council of the Baptist Union passed a resolution, part of which stated: Mr Hibberd was connected with Baptist life and work in NSW for 45 years and was largely instrumental in the early days of our history in bringing about the association of our weak and scattered churches which took place 40 years ago and which has subsisted ever since... As a preacher Mr Hibberd stood in the first rank... As a pastor Mr Hibberd had few equals, his bright Christian optimism, his winning personality, his large hearted sympathy and his own faithful exemplification of the gospel he preached gave him entrance to the hearts of his people, and these always found in him a kind and sympathetic friend.

The Rev Frederick Hibberd was the great-grandfather of Mrs Ruth Joyce, a long-time member of our church.

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 9:5 - "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world" (NRSV)

The window depicts Christ as the light of the world. It is based on the famous painting by Holman Hunt (1827-1910) which hangs in Keble College, Oxford.

(Bill Hughes, Church Archivist)