The eastern end is finished by three panels, inscribed with the Decalogue, &c. Three windows of splendid stained glass decorate the chancel. The subject of the centre one is the Nativity, from the celebrated “La Notte” of Correggio, and is a most masterly production of the art of glass-staining, especially in the management of light suitable to the time and scene of the subject. Underneath is the inscription in Roman capitals—“And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.”
The windows on each side of the above are designed from the Annunciation, and the Presentation in the Temple, the former from a painting by Guido in the chapel of the palace on the Monte Cavallo of Rome. The angel, a beautiful figure arrayed in yellow drapery tastefully displayed, is in the act of presenting to the virgin a lily, while his attitude and countenance seem to bespeak the emphatic words of the motto inscribed beneath—“Hail! thou that art highly favoured among Women; the Lord is with thee.” The other is from the celebrated picture at Antwerp, by Rubens, and founded on the words of holy Simeon—“Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace: according to thy word.”
These windows, perfect gems of the art, were executed by Mr. David Evans, of Shrewsbury, and were the gift of the Rev. W. G. Rowland, M.A. Minister and Official of St. Mary’s.
There is a small but excellent organ in the west gallery, and the tower contains a light peal of six bells, cast in 1830. The architect of the church was Mr. J. Carline; and when it is considered that it was erected at an expence of little more than £2000, criticism is disarmed in the substantial appearance which it possesses.
The cemetery surrounding the church is particularly neat; a gravel walk extends along its sides, and the ground is laid out in divisions for graves and vaults, which are numbered according to a plan kept with the sexton.
This church is in St. Mary’s parish, with the minister of which the presentation is vested.
SAINT GEORGES CHURCH.
Saint George’s Church is situated at the upper end of the suburb of Frankwell, and is dedicated to the tutelar saint of England, from its proximity to the site of an ancient religious foundation called in old writings “The free chapel of St. George.”
The present church was consecrated January 30th, 1832, and is cruciform in plan, having a small tower rising at the west end; it is built with fine Grinshill stone, from a design by Mr. Haycock. The architecture adopted throughout the building, with the exception of the tower, is of the lancet or early pointed style.