Stained Glass Windows

The stained glass windows found on the side walls of St. Peters are the creation of Ernestine Tahedl. Ms. Tahedl was born and educated in Austria and received a Master's Degree in graphic art from the Vienna Academy of Applied Arts. Following graduation in 1961, she collaborated with her father, Professor Heinreich Tahedl, in the design and execution of stained glass commissions until she emigrated to Canada in 1963. Her studio is in King City, near Toronto. Her work is represented in public, corporate, and private collections and galleries in Canada, United States, France, Switzerland, Austria, and Japan. Ernestine Tahedl has received many awards, one of which is the Canada Council of Arts Award in 1967. She was elected a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts in 1977 and of the Ontario Society of Artists in 1984. Below, Ernestine Tahedl at St. Peter's September 1990.

The window design represents the artist's concept of the theme "Fruits of the Spirit" as found in Galatians 5:22-23... "...But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance..."

Parallel to the religious theme, the design should be seen as a celebration of Estonian heritage inspired by their weaving of both colours and simplicity of design. The windows can be viewed as a woven belt encircling the congregation in their place of worship. The close relationship of Estonians with nature is reflected in the colour harmonies of the four seasons - north windows, Spring and Summer; south windows, early Spring, Winter and Autumn. In addition to the nine windows, there would be a Crucifixion and Resurrection for the Memorial Window, the small window at the back of the church on the south side dedicated to St. Peter.

r.South.Windows.5

South side windows.

r.north.windows.2

North side windows.

r.north.windows.3

North side windows.

r.South.Windows.5

South side windows.

1/6

The major strength of the design of St. Peter's windows is the continuity between individual panels. Nevertheless each window can exist on its own as an individual statement, creating its own identity and giving the worshiper the feeling of sorrow, peace, strength or joy.

The design concept leads the viewer progressively towards the front of the church and the altar confirming the architectural concept. Windows on the north side are lighter in colour not only to express their themes but also to compensate for the northern exposure and less light intensity. The opaque white glass screens the outside and roof overhang. Windows on the south side are composed of darker colours because of the higher available light intensity.

Technical comments -

Each window is divided into three panels for structural reasons (as well as reflecting the Trinity). To logically follow the design concept, these divisions and frames are irregular so as to not distract from the overall design concept while reinforcing the lead-lines. The thickness of the lead-lines is varied thus increasing the impact of the design while using the lead as an element of the composition.

The installation of the existing windows inside the previously existing ones allows maintenance or repairs due to the manageable sizes of the individual panels. The use of spacers on the frames of the stained glass windows prevents moisture build-up.

High quality, coloured hand-made antique glass is used in the construction of the windows. The windows are made of coloured glass only - painting and silver staining techniques are not used.

The window were fabricated by the artist in her studio located at her home in King City. The fabrication and installation of the windows took approximately 6 - 8 months.

North Side Windows

North Side - Window 1

JOY / RÕÕM - The colours and lead-lines evoke the joyous exuberation and warmth of Spring.

Dedications:

In appreciation of Pastor Edgar Heinsoo, The English-speaking Sector.
Arhitekt Mihkel Bach 1916-1972, Peetri kiriku kavandaja, mälestavad Evi ja Evald Oder.
Meie vanemate mälestuseks, Aino ja Eric Männistu.

North Side - Window 2

LOVE / ARMASTUS - Two nearly joining circles symbolize union and harmony with the optimism and rebirth of Spring.

Dedicaions:

Donated by St. Peter's Ladies Guild.
Annetanud Peetri koguduse naisring.

North Side - Window 3

PEACE / RAHU - The upward movement and shape of a pyramid express serenity in peace and movement from Spring to Summer.

Dedications:

Paul E. Küttis'e 1947-1972 mälestuseks.
Annetanud Elli ja Edgar Kalvik perekonnaga.

North Side - Window 4

GENTLENESS / LAHKUS - The colours, blue, green, yellow and white recall the Estonian landscape of forest and sea in Summer.

Dedications:

Aino Alasi 1918-1990 mälestavad tütar Inga Grills ja poeg Rein H. Alasi.

North Side - Window 5

GOODNESS / HEATAHTLIKKUS - Warm amber and gold tones with soft gentle lead-lines depict rye-fields and the expectation of the harvest at the end of the summer.

Dedications:

Evald Torokvei 1914-1979 mälestab Alice Torokvei perekonnaga.
Helen Peterson 1917-1987 mälestavad Robert Piir, sugulased ja sõbrad.

South Side Windows

South Side - Window 6

CRUCIFIXION AND RESURRECTION / RISTILÖÖMINE JA ÜLESTÖUSMINE - Christ's resurrection is expressed by the upsweeping movement of lines and colour from the shape of the cross. The cross form was inspired by the carvings at the ends of the pews. The second part of the window depicts the Crucifixion and Christ's suffering. This window moves from Winter to Spring which is on the other side of the altar.

Dedications:

ÜLESTÕUSMINE - Praost Oskar Puhm 1912-1990 Peetri koguduse asutaja ja kiriku ehitaja, pühendavad abikaasa Meta Puhm perekonnaga ja Soomepoisid.
RISTILÖÖMINE - Jüri Reial'i Sen. 1905-1984 mälestuseks.

South Side - Window 7

LONGSUFFERING (Patience) / KANNATLIKKUS - Continuing the theme "Fruits of the Spirit" the cross form is carried from the previous window bringing the viewer to the darkest window in the church. The colours of the Estonian flag, blue, black, and white are used to underscore the endurance of the Estonian people. The red in the upper corner symbolizes oppression. The darkness of the window evokes the depth of Winter.

Dedication:

Alfons Pajuste 1907-1977 mälestuseks.

South Side - Window 8

FAITH / USTAVUS - From hardship and darkness, Faith carries the believer to a source of light, hope, and freedom, expressed by the shape of a larger chalice being blessed. The colours are those of a warm Autumn.

Dedication:

Abikaasa Eduard Ahas 1901-19rr mälestab Ella Ahas

South Side - Window 9

TEMPERANCE / KASINUS - Faith leads to temperance and quiet worship with the serenity of Autumn colours.

Dedications:

Annetanud Toronto Eesti Apostliku-Õigeusu Kogudus.

South Side - Window 10

MEEKNESS / TASADUS- The great expanse of white depicts the gentleness of the Estonian landscape after the first snowfall in late autumn with the inner strength of the Estonian people showing through.

Dedications:

Hilda Koober 1898-1988 mälestab Leeni Toomet.
August Püss 1901-1976 mälestab abikaasa Eva Püss.
Elmar Peetsu 1904-1971 mälestab abikaasa Milla Peetsu.

South Side - Window 11

ST. PETER WINDOW / PEETRUSE AKEN - "...though art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church..." St. Matthew 16:18. The colours and lead-lines recall the shapes of rocks as well as reminding the viewer of the Baltic seacoast.

Dedication:

Perekonnaliikmeid - Aimi Ly Ilves 1961-1988, Elmar Ilves 1922-1989, Olga Kilp Mais 1902-1990 mälestavad omaksed.

The Ladies Guild Room Doors

Designed, created, and donated by congregation member Naani Holsmer, stained glass doors were installed in 2006 on the entry doors to the Ladies Guild room.