THE ADCOCK WINDOW 

wish that it should depict the sun rising over Canberra. The aim was to create a window that is full of light and colour, which will catch the eye on entering the church foyer, as the window is directly opposite the main entry.

The window depicts Canberra at sunrise. It is not meant to be a “photo” of Canberra. It aims at capturing the essence of the city by using the colours and basic features of the city, rather than the obvious structures or landmarks that might be found on tourist brochures. The inclusion of Canberra Baptist Church in the foreground confirms that it is Canberra. To a lesser extent, the tulips of Floriade also identify Canberra, as well as adding a splash of bright colours. 

It is not surprising that Neil and Joan should choose such a theme for their window. In a sermon on Sunday 4 January 1986 titled “Joy in Existence” Neil spoke of the life affirming quality of Christian joy. In that sermon he said:

 Jesus was constantly saying, “Joy is found in opening your eyes to all that’s around you… Look around you at how God clothes the grass of the fields… Look at the evening sky!”

Mindful that Jesus said: “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12), the spiritual theme of the window is “the light coming into the world” and this is symbolised in the sun rising over the city and the presence of the church in the city. The text chosen to express what we wanted to say to Neil and Joan about their ministry among us also relates to the spiritual theme. It says:

 “We were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves.” – 1Thess. 2:8.

 Everyone we spoke to, without exception, confirmed that this text says how we feel about Neil and Joan’s ministry here. Their ministry in Canberra was to spread the light of God’s love through the word and through their lives.

 The inscription on the window reads:

 We were delighted when Mr Martin van der Toorn, who has made most of the windows in our church, but is now retired, accepted a commission to make the window. With Neil and Joan’s initial concept to start with, and thanks to Mr van der Toorn’s commendable patience, the present window emerged over time. As well as visiting Canberra to discuss the project in person with us, Mr van der Toorn painted a number of glass miniatures for us and the final miniature was taken to Adelaide for Joan and Neil’s approval, after which work commenced on the window at Mr van der Toorn’s studio in Sydney.

 The committee initially given responsibility for developing the window were Bill Hughes (Convenor), Michelle Gurney and Yvonne Joyce. Subsequently, Russell Holly, Linley Huish and Grahame Lindsay were also appointed by the Diaconate to work on the committee.