All of the glass windows of Wesley features scenes from the life of Christ rather than scenes from throughout the Bible. The exception is this small window along the south cloister. It is called "The Tie Around the World" and was dedicated "For God, Home, and Every Land." by the Women's Christian Temperance Union, of which many members called Wesley home. A more correct title would be the "White Ribbon Around the World" as the white ribbon was the symbol of the WCTU. It symbolized for the people who memorialized it a pledge that members of the WCTU made to pray for members around the world each day at noon. In this way they kept their concerns always before God. The WCTU was specifically concerned about the devastation resulting from alcohol abuse in homes and society. The campaigned to educate youth, change laws, and influence their society. Their zeal stemmed from a strong conviction that the promotion of temperance was a part of their response to the Great Commission.
Is this the only window its kind? Attempts to locate and identify similar memorial windows has been unsuccessful so far.
United Methodist and Christian churches in Glasco, Kansas both have rare WCTU (Woman’s Christian Temperance Union) windows. For more information contact Joan Nothern at 785.568.0120.
ReplyDeletePosted by WenDee LaPlant, Kansas Sampler Foundation 6/15/2016 620.585.2374