The Prodigal Son	Location:   South West Nave
	Name: The McPhie Window
	Dated: May 8, 1955
	Scripture: Luke 15: 11–32

Artist: Yvonne Williams

Theme: Parable of the Prodigal Son

Size: 16 sq. ft.

Description:

The central panel in the window depicts the theme of the prodigal son. The son is kneeling before his father and experiencing the forgiveness of a father's love. The panel is meant to remind us of God's love which offers us forgiveness and new hope. Immediately below the central panel, is the prodigal in a far country in the midst of the swine, so hungry and destitute. As the Bible says, "And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat".

The two outside panels reflect the traditions of the United Church. The panel on the
left is the Presbyterian tradition. The main figure is that of John Knox, the strong and dominant preacher of the Reformation in Scotland. Below the figure of Knox, with the open Bible proclaiming the Word of God, is a figure of a galley slave, pulling on a ship's oar and looking up to Heaven. Knox was once taken from Scotland as a galley slave and imprisoned in France for a while. The figure reminds us of Knox's amazing courage and unshakeable Faith. Knox returned, finally, via England to Scotland. His words on that occasion were, "God will deliver us to His glory, even in this life." It was after he returned that the Reformation took place in Scotland.

In the panel on the right, we have our Congregational inheritance represented by the figure of John Bunyan, the great English writer and author of The Pilgrim's Progress. Bunyan was a central figure in Congregationalism. In the medallion below, you see Bunyan in prison, reminding us of his unfailing faith in God's goodness despite adversity. This window, as whole reflects the forgiving love of God as shown in the Parable of the Prodigal Son and the Presbyterian and Congregational traditions.

Notes:

Given by Mr. Donald McPhie and his two children in loving memory of Dorothy May McPhie (Dorothy Harris), who died on May 24, 1954.

This window reflects some of the fine qualities of heart, mind and spirit of the one whom it honours. Mrs. McPhie was a woman of strong faith who manifested in her own life a heroic courage in the face of suffering and difficulty. This window is a fitting memorial to one whose life was an inspiration to her friends and her family.

The installation and dedication of this window by Dr. Lockhart marked the completion of the general plan for the main windows of the Church which was begun under his leadership early in his ministry. He had a part in the planning and designing of all the windows. He said it was a matter of great personal satisfaction to him that he was privileged to dedicate this final nave window before he left in June.