The
Martin Memorial Window On Sunday
January 6, 1957, the Martin Memorial window was dedicated “to
the Glory of God in grateful memory of Violette Thomson Martin”.
These two windows were the gift of Chief Justice W. M. Martin and
family. The windows were unveiled by Walter M. Martin, Q.C. and
dedicated by the Very Reverend Norman Kennedy, D. D. Depictions: The
design of the windows symbolizes the adoration of God’s power,
majesty and glory. The
Left window of the pair carries a theme based on Psalm 100, Verse
2 “Serve the Lord with gladness: Come before his presence
with singing.” At the top of the window is the Crown and
Star – symbolizing the prophecy of Christ’s Glory.
Immediately underneath is a choir of angels. At the base of the
window is a group of musical instruments that have a significant
bearing on the subject of the Memorial. The
Right window of the pair shows a cross and the Greek abbreviation
for “Jesus Christ, The Victor”. Immediately underneath
these symbols is a depiction of our Lord, seated in majesty and
holding the scepter of authority with one hand raised in blessing.
This figure is surrounded by angelic figures singing praises. Design: The
stained glass is created in mosaic style, jewel like and radiating
colour and form in the best tradition of the stained glass art. These
windows were designed by Mr. Howard Martin, a Fellow of the British
Society of Master Glass Painters. Mr., Martin is the chief designer
for Celtic Studios, Swansea, Glamorgan, South Wales, where the
windows were produced. Martin
Family History: Violette
Thomson Martin Mrs.
Martin was born in Mitchell, Ontario January 16, 1881. She attended
school there and in 1904 she graduated from the Toronto Conservatory
of Music with Honours A.C.T.M. in both piano and voice. She married
William Melville Martin in 1906 and moved to Regina where her husband
practiced law with his cousin James Balfour Q.C. Violette became
very well known in Regina music circles, and was a well-known and
loved soloist and chorister. Violette was also very active in the
Regina chapter of the Independent Order of Daughters of the Empire
(I.O.D.E.). Mrs.
Martin was a faithful servant of First Presbyterian Church and
was active in many organizations such as the very first choir committee,
the Heather Circle and the Women’s Guild. Mrs. Martin also
gave often of her talents as chorister and soloist enhancing the
musical aspect of worship in First Presbyterian Church. William
Melville Martin William
Melville Martin was born in Norwich, Ontario to the Reverend William
Martin and Mrs. Christina Martin (Jamieson). He received his early
education in Exeter and Clinton and graduated from the University
of Toronto in 1898. After teaching for two years, William entered
Osgoode Hall Law School and graduated in 1903. He moved to Regina
and began practicing law. In 1908 William was elected Liberal Member
of Parliament and for the next 53 years he served the public in
daily activity and continued that service for over a decade of
his retirement. William Martin continued as a Member of Parliament
until 1916 when he moved to provincial politics and became the
second Premier of the Province of Saskatchewan. In April of 1922
he resigned as Premier and in July of that year was appointed to
the bench of the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal. In 1941 he was named
Chief Justice of Saskatchewan and held that post until his retirement
in 1961. During World War 2, William was appointed Custodian of
Enemy Alien Property of Canada. He was created a K.C. in 1916 and
in 1922 the University of Toronto granted his an honorary Doctor
of Law degree. William served as President of the Canadian Red
Cross Society, the Cancer Fund, the Canadian National Institute
of the Blind, and Ducks Unlimited Canada. He was Past Grand Master
of the Saskatchewan Masonic Lodge and presented with a 65 year
clasp by the Masons. Being
a son of a clergyman, Mr. Martin was always interested and active
in the work of the Presbyterian Church. He was opposed to church
union in 1924/25 and on January 5, 1925 he presided over a meeting
that decided to continue the Presbyterian Church in Canada. On
March 1, 1925 Judge Martin was elected Chairman of the first Board
of Managers of First Presbyterian Church in Regina, a position
he dutifully held until 1942. William
and his family were faithful members of the congregation of First
Presbyterian Church and after his death, his family had his name
added to the Memorial Window.
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