The Linton Memorial Window

On Sunday morning the 18th of May, 1958, the stained glass windows (2) known as the Linton Window was received by the Session and congregation of First Presbyterian Church. These two windows were the gift of Mr. O. T. Linton in memory of his parents. Mr. Linton officially unveiled each of the windows during the dedication ceremony. The Very Reverend Norman D. Kennedy, D.D., proclaimed the dedication “to the glory of God and in loving memory of Adam Pierce Linton and Dorothy Turnbull Linton”. These windows, made by Celtic Studios of Swansea, Glamorgan in South Wales, were erected and installed in the spring of 1958.

Depictions:

The Left window of the pair depicts a story from the Book of Acts Chapter 9, verse 36. “In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek Dorcas, meaning a gazelle) who filled her days with acts of kindness and charity.

The theme of this window is based on the life of Dorcas. To this end Dorcas is depicted with one of her attendants, holding a basket containing bread and administering this to an aged woman shown seated in the background. The words “Full of good works and alms deeds” are displayed in front of this group. In the head of this window are displayed the symbols associated with Dorcas. Her name forms part of the symbolism. The symbol at the base of the window is the heart – symbolic of Christian charity.

The Right window of the pair depicts the Parable of the Talents (money), which is a lesson in the use of one’s advantages. The servant is commended for his fidelity and industry with the words displayed below the group of figures. “Well done thou good and faithful servant.” Those that are diligent and faithful in serving Christ are commonly blessed, and shall have not “laboured in vain”.

In the head of this window is that of the cedar tree – symbolic of steadfastness in faith, and the symbol at the base is that of the yoke – symbolic of patient service.

Design:

The windows were designed by Mr. Hubert Thomas, Fellow, British Society of Master Glass Painters and were manufactured by Celtic Studios of Swansea, in South Wales and shipped from great Britain for installation in early 1958.

Linton Family History:

Adam Pierce Linton

Adam Linton was born near Galt, (now Cambridge) Ontario in 1884. He was educated in Galt and then graduated from the University of Toronto in 1908 from the Faculty of Applied Science as a Mechanical Engineer. Adam moved to Regina in 1912 to work for the Saskatchewan Department of Highways as a bridge building specialist. Mr. Linton is acknowledged to have been responsible for the design and construction of hundreds of bridges throughout the province. Two of his last projects, before his retirement were the overpass on the Trans Canada highway at Belle Plain (bridging over the CPR rail-line) and the bridge at Saskatchewan Landing.

Mr. Linton enlisted in the 68th Infantry Battalion in 1915. He was commissioned and went overseas with the unit, transferring to the Canadian Core of Engineers in England. Adam served in this branch in France, subsequently reaching the rank of Major. Linton’s 1st Bridging Company was dispatched to Palestine when a Canadian Unit of the engineers were requested by General Sir Edmund Allenby in anticipation of the need for bridging in the General’s drive towards Damascus. One of the structures for which they gained fame in the Holy Land was a large spanned bridge across the river Jordan. For his work in Palestine, Linton was awarded the Order of the British Empire and was also frequently mentioned in dispatches by General Allenby. After the war, Linton remained in the Reserves and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.

Linton returned to Saskatchewan and continued his work with the Department of Highways. He retired in 1947 and died suddenly in Regina on August 21, 1949. Adam Linton is buried in the Soldier’s Plot in the Regina Cemetery.