The Finale To Doors Open

Today brings to a close the Doors Open series. When I saw the interior of this church, it didn't take long for me to decide this would be the place I would conclude the series with. Picking up where I left off yesterday, here is the altar stained glass window in St. Bartholomew's. It was designed by an Irish artist, Wilhelmina Geddes, and is her only work in North America. Commissioned by Queen Victoria's son Prince Arthur, the Governor General at the time, it pays tribute to members of his staff who died during the First World War, and has a military theme- warrior-saints, angels, and the fallen soldier. 

I mentioned yesterday that the walls of the church had quite a number of memorial plaques down through time, from members of the congregation. Some of those include plaques for various governor-generals.

This plaque marks a unique spot in this church. Roland Michener was Governor General from 1967-74. He and his wife Norah were members here during their time at Rideau Hall, and their urns have been interred behind the plaque, the only instance of that in this building.

Another plaque here is in honour of another Governor General, Vincent Massey, the first Canadian to serve in the post.

Here we have another view back towards the organ.

Being a regimental chapel, this church also houses several regimental colours for the Foot Guards, encased behind glass, with the history of the regiment marked on each over time. Typically these are used for around twenty years before being retired and making their way into places like this. The Foot Guards, which share duties with the Canadian Grenadier Guards as part of the Ceremonial Guard each summer, have an extensive history of military service dating back to the 1870s and including service in both World Wars. St. Bartholomew's was designated as the official chapel for the Guards in 1973, and the rector serves as their chaplain.