Wilmot United Church

Casavant Pipe Organ

In February, 2000 a plan for restoration of Wilmot's Casavant pipe organ was approved. The organ had been installed in 1951. Consisting of nearly 2,000 pipes, ranging in size from half an inch to 16 feet long, the organ was dismantled and each pipe was carried, with great care, into the church hall.

Following thorough cleaning and restoration of the pipes and the organ console, as well as considerable structural renovation in the choir area of the sanctuary, the organ was carefully reassembled and reinstalled.

On Sunday, February 18, 2001, exactly 50 years after the original dedication of the organ on February 18, 1951, the re-dedication of the organ took place. That evening, a golden jubilee recital was presented by Michael Capon, who at the time was the organist and choir director at Christ Church Cathedral.

Restoration work on the organ console continued in the summer of 2001.

The cost to install the original Casavant pipe organ in 1951 was $28,724. The restoration 50 years later cost approximately $105,000.

Specifications of the Wilmot Casavant Organ, including a stoplist, are listed here in PDF format.

Tapestries & Banners

Over the years Wilmot United Church has enjoyed a number of attractive and meaningful tapestries that have been hung in the sanctuary at appropriate seasons of the church year.

This page contains photos of those that have been catalogued as of February, 2007. Click on each photo to see a larger image.

		Title: Doves and Candles Purpose: Advent Donated: Funds donated in late 1980s by Dr. C. E. J. Cragg Fund Produced by: Dr. Ivan Crowell and Mrs. Margery Acheson Designed by: Mrs. Bruce (Carolyn) Atkinson The candles on this tapestry were lit at the same time as the candle in the sanctuary using red flames and the last one was a silver or bright colored one. The candles of the Advent wreath – four purple ones in Advent and one white Christ candle at Christmas – ascend this design by Carolyn Atkinson. Each is flanked by white doves, the dove being the symbol for the Holy Spirit. The background color for the tapestry is blue, the alternate colour for Advent.

		Title: Dove and Flames Purpose: Pentecost Donated: Funds donated in late 1980s by Dr. C. E. J. Cragg Fund Produced by: Dr. Ivan Crowell and Mrs. Margery Acheson Designed by: Rev. Rod Sykes In this design for Pentecost the New Testament’s three major images for the Holy Spirit are combined. The Church was born at Pentecost with a sound like a mighty rushing of wind, and the appearance of tongues of fire upon the disciples [Acts 2:1-3]. The design here shows the flames swirling upward in the wind. But since the Spirit in the Church is the same Spirit of Jesus’ ministry, the dove, which alighted on Jesus at his baptism, is combined with the flames. It bears a Cross to remind us that inspiration by the Spirit and self-giving love are inseparable.

		Title: Star and Candle Purpose: Epiphany Donated: Funds donated in late 1980s by Dr. C. E. J. Cragg Fund Produced by: Dr. Ivan Crowell and Mrs. Margery Acheson Designed by: Rev. Rod Sykes The design combines the Star, which represents the Light of the World, with the Christ Candle, on which is the “Chi-Rho” the first two letters of “Christ” in Greek. Intersecting rays from both the flame and the star form cross patterns.

		Title: Cross and Cup Purpose: Communion A Donated: Funds donated by the Morning Out Quilters in loving memory of Mrs. B. (Lula) Lusby Produced by: Dr. Ivan Crowell and Mrs. Margery Acheson Designed by: Rev. Rod Sykes The design superimposes on a cross the cup of blessing, and the grapes from which the wine is pressed. These have always symbolized for the Church Christ’s life poured out for us. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” [Matthew 26:28].

		Title: Loaves and Fish Purpose: Communion B Donated: Funds donated in late 1980s by Dr. C. E. J. Cragg Fund Produced by: Dr. Ivan Crowell and Mrs. Margery Acheson Designed by: Rev. Rod Sykes The design superimposes loaves and fishes on a cross. The fish symbol was the signal of secret recognition among the earliest Christians; and bread is also central to the Lord’s table. “I am the bread of life.” [John 6:48].

		Title: Marks of the Church Purpose: Ordinary Time Sundays Donated: Funds donated in late 1980s by Dr. C. E. J. Cragg Fund Produced by: Dr. Ivan Crowell and Mrs. Margery Acheson Designed by: Rev. Rod Sykes The elements in the design are the central symbolic moments of the church’s life – bread and cup of communion, the Torah scroll representing the Bible, and the Christ candle.

Title: Sin and Grace Purpose: Lent (A and B) Donated: Funds donated in late 1980s by Dr. C. E. J. Cragg Fund Produced by: Dr. Ivan Crowell and Mrs. Margery Acheson Designed by: Rev. Rod Sykes These complementary designs are intended to be hung together to express a theological theme: our constant choice in life is between the state of grace, between the misery of alienation from God and the joy of life lifted towards God. These designs were intended to be frankly allegorical.
		Title: Sin Purpose: Lent A Produced by: Dr. Ivan Crowell and Mrs. Margery Acheson Designed by: Rev. Rod Sykes Donated: Funds donated in late 1980s by Dr. C. E. J. Cragg Fund Sin is visualized as a human form, hunched in upon itself, hiding its face in grief. It waves away the approach of the Divine light which manifests itself in the surrounding darkness in the shape of a Cross. The serpentine shapes interpersonal, external to us. They are echoed by contorted shapes within the figure which represent the personal internal forces in us that alienate us from God. The tapestry is designed to be viewed at different levels. From a distance, we see only a figure against a dark background. Up close, the eye can resolve the details of the distinction between the forms inside the figure and outside. This parallels the way that only with close examination of ourselves can we begin to grasp the nature of our distance from God.

		Title: Grace Purpose: Lent B Donated: Funds donated in late 1980s by Dr. C. E. J. Cragg Fund Produced by: Dr. Ivan Crowell and Mrs. Margery Acheson Designed by: Rev. Rod Sykes “Grace” is visualized as the human figure stretching upwards towards the light. The figure leaps; it is also drawn – for God’s grace both moves us from within and attracts us from without. The picture elements of the “Sin” design recur here at the bottom, seeking to keep hold of the escaping figure The rays of light – three in number (for the Trinity) – penetrate the figure in order to lift it. Once again, the Cross is present as part of the process by which humanity is restored to its intended place in the glory of God.

		Title: Christ is Risen Purpose: Easter Donated: Funds donated in late 1980s by Dr. C. E. J. Cragg Fund Produced by: Dr. Ivan Crowell and Mrs. Margery Acheson Designed by: Rev. Brian McIntosh

		Title: Manger Scene Purpose: Advent Donated: Funds donated in late 1980s by Dr. C. E. J. Cragg Fund Produced by: Dr. Ivan Crowell and Mrs. Margery Acheson Designed by: Mrs. T. W. (Margery) Acheson This traditional design shows Joseph, Mary and the infant Christ in a stable, with a Bethlehem star blazing in the deep blue of the night sky. The effect is tranquil and serene – a good visual for a night when little persons are so excited!!

		Title: Dove and Droplets Purpose: Baptism Donated: Funds donated in late 1980s by Dr. C. E. J. Cragg Fund Produced by: Dr. Ivan Crowell and Mrs. Margery Acheson Designed by: Rev. Rod Sykes The design combines the Dove, symbol of the Holy Spirit, with water drops, among which a green Cross is figured.

		Title: United Church Crest Purpose: Anniversary Sunday Donated and handcrafted by: Ms. Lynda Johnston

		Title: Green Cross (2) Purpose: Ordinary Sundays Donated: Funds donated on Easter Sunday of 1986 Donated by: Mrs. Lloyd (Betty) Boyd in memory of her husband, Mr. James Lloyd Boyd

		Title: Red Cross (2) Purpose: Pentecost Donated: Funds donated on Easter Sunday of 1986 Donated by: Mrs. Lloyd (Betty) Boyd in memory of her husband, Mr. James Lloyd Boyd

		Title: Purple Cross (2) Purpose: Lent Donated: Funds donated on Easter Sunday of 1986 Donated by: Mrs. Lloyd (Betty) Boyd in memory of her husband, Mr. James Lloyd Boyd

		Title: Gold Crosses (2) Donated: Funds donated on Easter Sunday of 1986 Donated by: Mrs. Lloyd (Betty) Boyd in memory of her husband, Mr. James Lloyd Boyd

		Title: White Cross (2) Donated: Funds donated on Easter Sunday of 1986 Donated by: Mrs. Lloyd (Betty) Boyd in memory of her husband, Mr. James Lloyd Boyd

		Title: Blue Cross (2) Purpose: Advent Donated: Funds donated on Easter Sunday of 2007 Donated by: Mrs. Lloyd (Betty) Boyd in memory of her husband, Mr. James Lloyd Boyd The fabric was purchased for these crosses in December 2006 and attached to fabric in 2007 by Ellen Sherren and Carlinda Daigle.

		Title: Dove and Flames Purpose: Pentecost

		Title: Cross and Flames Purpose: Pentecost

		Title: Stained Glass Window Purpose: This used to hang outside of the office of Rev. Cliff Moase at the end of the hallway. Donated: Before the Cragg Tapestries in 1980s. Donated, Produced and Designed by: Mrs. Rudell (Dell) Willoughby

		Title: Purpose: Advent Donated by: Morning Out Group

		Title: The United Church of Canada's 38th General Council Banner Purpose: This was presented to the Right Reverend Peter Short in recognition his induction as the 38th Moderator of The United Church of Canada in August 2003. Donated by: Elizabeth Bastin and Lucille Caseley Banner Produced by: Elizabeth Bastin Banner Designed by: Lucille Caseley 38th General Council Logo Designed by: Rev. Hiraku Iwai and Paula Williams The inspiration for the use of Japanese characters came from retired minister the Rev. Hiraku Iwai of Saskatoon. Artist Paula Williams (from Kentville, Nova Scotia) then took the three components of the Japanese word for "Hope", and incorporated a blue border (to represent the Atlantic Ocean) and a traditional Atlantic dory to create the logo for the General Council. For a more comprehensive treatment of the theme and logo, see (especially page 4) of 38th General Council NEWS.

		Title: Let There Be Light

		Title: Fiddlehead Purpose: It was suggested to use when we have fiddlers or on New Brunswick Day in August.

Memorial Windows

Wilmot United Church is a curious mix of the very old and the very new. For example, it is located in the heart of downtown Fredericton, in the midst of daily commerce and trade that is as up-to-date as tomorrow. Yet at the same time it carries in its own heart and soul a tradition that is distinctly symbolized in the beautiful stained glass windows that surround the sanctuary.

These windows are all dedicated in memory of special people of the congregation's past.

If you click on each photo you will see a larger image of the window.

	ST. CECILIA - Ministry of Music (chancel, right side) The newest stained glass window at Wilmot United Church is located to the right of the chancel - appropriately placed, in that its dedication is "...to all choir members, choir directors, and organists who have faithfully served God and this church through the ministry of music". The window was dedicated on Sunday, November 18, 2012, the Sunday prior to St. Cecilia's Day that year. St. Cecilia is recognized throughout Christendom as the patron saint of music. She is frequently depicted playing a musical instrument, typically an organ. Wilmot's new window depicts St. Cecilia playing an organ while two more figures play other musical instruments and three additional figures sing joyfully. A horizontal bar near the bottom of the window entreats: MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE UNTO THE LORD. This window fills the last remaining empty space for stained glass picture windows on the main level of Wilmot Church. It was designed and built by McCausland Studio in Toronto.



	Jesus Calls the Fishermen (front of the church, right side when facing the chancel) Presented by the congregation and dedicated on Sunday, April 21, 1974 "in grateful remembrance" of Rev. Phillips Brooks Chisholm and his wife, Ruth Chisholm, following his death from cancer in 1971 and her death in a tragic car accident in 1973. Mr. Chisholm was minister at Wilmot from 1967 to 1971. The window depicts Jesus at the seashore calling fishermen to be his disciples.



	Wilmot's "Famous" Window (second from the front, right side when facing the chancel) This was only the second stained glass window to be installed in the church. It was installed directly opposite from the first window. Donated by Senator Frederick P. Thompson and installed in 1913 in memory of his wife, it consists of four panels. The two top panels depict two angels: Raphael, with a cockleshell (a sign of a pilgrim); and Gabriel, with a wreathed head. The two bottom panels depict "Clothing the Naked" on the left and "Feeding the Hungry" on the right. The story of this window's fame and unique style can be found in the Tour of the Building page of our Web Site.



	Easter Morn (middle window on right side, facing chancel) This window was presented by Mr. and Mrs. Ewart C Atkinson, in memory of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mariner Atkinson and Mr. and Mrs. G W Coy. It was one of the four windows dedicated on Sunday, September 16, 1962. This window depicts the three women arriving at the tomb of Jesus as the angel declares the resurrection.



	The Good Shepherd/Christ Knocking at the Door (fourth window from the front, right side when facing chancel) Donated by Frank J VanBuskirk, The Good Shepherd window is dedicated in memory of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J F VanBuskirk and his two sisters, Vera and Jean. It was one of four memorial windows dedicated on Sunday, September 16, 1962. The left panel of this window depicts Jesus holding a lamb and a shepherd's crook as a ewe walks alongside. The right panel shows Jesus "Knocking at the Door" as he patiently waits for a response.



	Jesus Teaches in the Synagogue (back of the church, right side when facing chancel) On Sunday, October 5, 1980 Mrs. Basil (June) Kirk and Donald Burtt presented this window to Wilmot Church in memory of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. C A (Sandy) Burtt and their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Cecil H Burtt. Both Sandy Burtt and Cecil Burt had provided many years' service (a total of 50 years) in the Sunday School as well as both having served as Elders of the church. The scene depicts Jesus in the synagogue "as was his custom", and teaching from the scrolls.



	Jesus Shares a Meal with the Disciples (back of the church, left side when facing chancel) When this window was dedicated on Sunday, May 23, 1982 it was presented by the children of Mrs. Margaret Beairsto, in her memory and in memory of a close relative whom they considered a "second mother", Cornelia Susan (Kee) Browne. Depicting Jesus and his disciples sharing a meal with two disciples, this window is a fitting tribute to two women of Wilmot United Church who spent much time and energy working in the kitchen.



	Christ Blesses the Children (fourth window from the front, left side when facing chancel) This window was presented by Ashley A. Colter to honour all the people who have served God and humanity through Wilmot United Church. It was one of four memorial windows dedicated on Sunday, September 16, 1962. The window shows Jesus with three children in the right panel, while in the left side parents are depicted observing the scene of tenderness.



	The Nativity Window (middle window on left side, facing chancel) Dedicated on Sunday, September 16, 1962, this window was donated by Mrs. Harry G. Chestnut in memory of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. W. L. Tibbits and her husband's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Chestnut. It depicts the nativity of Jesus: the Infant Jesus, Mary and Joseph and the Star of Bethlehem in the right panel, with worshipping shepherds in the left panel.



	The First Window (second window from the front, left side when facing chancel) The first stained glass window (and the first memorial) in the church was installed and dedicated at Wilmot Church in the summer of 1897. Donated by Fred B Edgecombe in memory of his father, John Edgecombe and his mother, Ann J Wildman, this window was placed on the south side of the sanctuary, and is dated June 22, 1897. Manufactured in Canada at a cost of approximately $500., the Edgecombe window was installed in the church and dedicated as Canadians joined with the rest of the British Empire that week in celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of the reign of Queen Victoria. This window is now, of course, well over a hundred years old. It depicts St. Peter and St. Paul.



	At Home in Bethany (front of the church, left side when facing chancel) On Sunday, April 30, 1972 this window was presented to Wilmot United Church as a bequest from Mary M Blair, who had died three years earlier, in 1969. She was the great-great-granddaughter of Duncan Blair, in whose memory the window is dedicated. He was a Scottish soldier whose presence in Fredericton made its mark well over two hundred years ago, in 1791. The window depicts Mary sitting at Jesus' feet, listening to his teachings.



	Matthew and Mark (chancel, left side) The window at the left of the chancel was dedicated on Sunday, September 15, 1991 in memory of Richard Gordon Scott, as a gift from the family and memorial donations. He was a long time member of Wilmot, having attended while visiting Fredericton from his home in Chatham, New Brunswick when he was a boy. This window depicts St. Matthew and St. Mark and was created by Fredericton artist Edward (Ned) Bowes with the assistance of his partner H. Hugh MacKinnon under their company name Shades of Light Ltd. Although it was dedicated on September 15, 1991 when Rev. Walter Farquharson (who was the United Church Moderator at the time) was guest speaker, the window was not unveiled until a later date upon completion of its installation.



Here are some more images of our windows, taken by John Leroux.