WINDOW TO COMMEMORATE MINISTER’S WIFE

A new stained glass window has been installed in Pathhead Parish Church, Kirkcaldy, in memory of the minister’s late wife.

The window, by stained glass artist Carole Robinson, was commissioned by the Rev Andrew Donald to commemorate his wife Elizabeth, who died during the first Covid-19 lockdown. It was dedicated on September 18, the nearest Sunday to what would have been Elizabeth’s birthday.

Carole said: “I first met with Andrew Donald in April to discuss his ideas for a new memorial window. This meeting was an emotional encounter, particularly because Liz was so young, in her late 40s, and no more than four people could attend her funeral due to the Covid restrictions.

“That day Andrew, being an extremely compassionate minister, shared part of a sermon he once wrote about death and dying. I felt so touched by his wise words that he has allowed me to share them here.

“‘The truth is that life goes on and that’s the way it should be… The demands of work return, the grass still grows, the phone starts ringing again, the car soon needs its MOT and so on. At first it may seem hard but perhaps it’s a reminder that God asks each one of us to live life in the present and to live it well in the knowledge of His goodness and love. Of course there will still be times of tears, times when memories trigger certain emotions, but gradually these memories will no longer be quite so painful – rather they will become a pleasant link with the past to those who are never forgotten.’

“I will always remember how open our conversation about death and dying was, albeit with a heavy heart. We discussed the qualities that could be incorporated into the design to honour Elizabeth Donald and decided on two very significant Christian symbols: a dove with an olive branch and a Celtic Cross. The words Andrew shared that day in April had a huge impact on the design that evolved for his wife’s memorial panel.”