The Thompson Memorial Window

On Sunday afternoon the 27th of November, 1957 the stained glass windows (2) known as the Thomson Window was received by the Session and congregation of First Presbyterian Church. These two windows were the gift of Mrs. Jean Elizabeth Thomson in memory of her husband Dr. William A. Thomson, M.D., C.M., F.A.C.S., (1869-1954). Mr. George Robertson, Chair of the Board of Managers officially received each of the windows on behalf of the congregation during the dedication ceremony. The Very Reverend Norman D. Kennedy, D.D., proclaimed the dedication “to the glory of God and in grateful memory of Dr. William A. Thomson”. These windows, made by Celtic Studios of Swansea, Glamorgan in South Wales, were erected and installed in the fall of 1957.

Depictions:

The Left Window carries the symbol of the dove at the top, which represents the Holy Spirit as outlined in Gospel of Matthew Chapter 3 Verses 13 – 17. Beneath the dove is the depiction of Jesus healing a leper of Galilee. Beneath these figures are the symbols of a fountain (signifying new birth and the washing away of sin) and the letters HIS, an abbreviation of the Greek word IHORC which means “Jesus”.

The Right Window carries the symbol of a winged horse at the top, and beneath it is the depiction of St. Luke administering to St. Paul at Troas. St. Luke is known as “the beloved physician” according to the 2nd Book of Timothy Chapter 4 Verse 11. Beneath these figures are two symbols. The left symbol is the burning bush, a very important Presbyterian symbol, signifying God speaking to Moses from within a burning bush that was never consumed by the fire (Exodus Chapter 3). The symbol on the right is the Serpent of Brass. This symbol according to the Book of Numbers Chapter 21 Verses 4 – 9, depicts Moses raising up the Brazen Serpent in the wilderness so that all who look to it in faith are healed.

Thomson Family History:

Dr. William Alexander Thomson M.D., C.M., F.A.C.S

William Thomson was born in Brockville, Ontario on September 8, 1869 and died in Regina, Saskatchewan on September 29, 1954. Dr. Thomson was a graduate of Queens University and Trinity College, Toronto where he completed his medical education in 1893. Dr. Thomson practiced medicine in Douglas, Manitoba for ten years before moving to Regina and was active in the medical profession for the rest of his life. In 1915 he became surgeon to the Canadian Pacific Railway and President of the Saskatchewan Medical Association. From 1936 – 1950 he was appointed surgeon to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Dr. Thomson was active in the formation of the first Medical Council of Saskatchewan and the Medical Council of Canada of which he served as president in 1930. Dr. Thomson was also very active in civic affairs and in pioneering public health in the City and the Province. He was a member of the Regina City Council (1907 – 1908) and a member of the Regina School Board (1906 – 1916) becoming the School Board’s chairman in 1915. Dr. Thomson introduced the first School Nursing Service in western Canada in 1911. In 1915 he became a member of the Health Council in the Department of Public Health. Dr. Thomson was also very concerned about the welfare of young boys and providing opportunities for them to grow and learn, and to stay healthy. A member of the Regina YMCA from its inception, he became its President in 1916, and later on was made Honorary President in recognition of his dedicated service to the YMCA.

During World War 1, Dr. Thomson served in the Canadian Army Medical Corps with the 215th and 249th Battalions, holding the rank of Captain. Dr. Thomson was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church in Canada, and a founding member of First Presbyterian Church in 1925. Dr. Thomson was admitted as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons in 1921.

Dr. Thomson owned the first motor car in Regina, an Oldsmobile, which was affectionately known as “Put-Put” as it was a two cylinder powered horseless carriage. Dr. Thomson worked continuously for the betterment life for the citizens of Regina. Dr. Thomson was inaugurated as the guiding light in the establishment of the first medical incinerator, a strong proponent and champion of pasteurization of milk, a leader in food inspection, and on the design group for Regina’s downtown Victoria Park. In addition he was instrumental in the establishment of the Regina General Hospital. In recognition of his implementation of the School Nursing Service, the Regina School Board named a school after him (Thomson School located at 2033 Toronto Street – near the Regina General Hospital).

Dr. Thomson was always passionately interested in sports and kept up an active pastime of golf and badminton.

Dr. Thomson and his wife Jean Elizabeth Thomson (Browne) were the proud parents of twin sons and twin daughters. The family was deeply involved in First Presbyterian Church in Regina, and Dr. Thomson served many years on the Board of Managers and the Building Committee.