Operation Common Ground Stained Glass Window
Artist: Brenda Ebear
Designed by: Alex Matheson, Brandon MB, and Brenda Ebear, Cold Lake AB
Dedicated 03 May 01
The overall intent in the design of the window was to show strength, unity and dignity. The colours chosen were strong and blue is representative of both the Protestant Chapel Guild and the Catholic Women’s League Military Ordinariate.
The central focus is on four people reaching as individuals and as a group toward the dove, representing the Holy Spirit and peace. The people are clothed in white but their four different skin pigments illustrate diversity and individuality. Their base is the maple leaf representing Canada and the cross is clearly visible on the right. Canada is also evident in the background of mountains and ocean.
A strong red, characterizing Canadian women, is used in the maple leaf and the roses throughout the design and in the border to bind the window and theme together. The traditional gold glass, taken from the Cold Lake chapel when the windows were renovated, is a part of our military religious history that is repeating itself in Operation Common Ground.
The final design was drawn by hand to incorporate the incongruities and imperfections of humanity. Although the window appears to be symmetrical, small differences may be visible on closer inspection, embodying the inspiration and central message of Operation Common Ground.
In addition, each active council of the Military Ordinariate Catholic Women’s League and guild of the Protestant Chapel Guild received a “Trenton Rose” stained glass rose. They were created and distributed to extend the themes of Christianity, love of Canada and the women who support the Canadian military both from within and as spouses of serving members to all chapels across Canada. The rose duplicated the design of the rose of the Operation Common Ground Stained Glass Window.
Sponsored by the DND Millennium Project
