History of Saint James’: M. Louise Evans
COMPILED BY THE HISTORY COMMITTEE
The Ascension window
M. Louise Evans (1887-1966) wrote for The Fauquier Democrat for 58 years. She delighted the people of Fauquier County with her “Old Timer” series of articles of historical interest. She was a fixture in Warrenton, known for her delightful writing style that entertained readers as she reminisced about people, places, and events. The following is extracted from an article on Saint James’ Warrenton, dated April 27, 1950.
The church has a great number of memorials … including the handsome windows. To your Old Timer the chancel window given by Major R. P. Barry in memory of his wife is one of the most beautiful to be found anywhere. Major and Mrs. Barry lived at Clifton. … Your Old Timer can recall several times, kneeling at the altar rail at early communion, especially at Easter, when the sun in the East streamed through the window, when its sheer beauty made cold shivers go down my spine and I felt it must be a living picture before me … it was one which came back to me many times in my darkest hours to give me faith and courage.
Your Old Timer has sat in that church many times … at consecrations, dedications, congregational meetings, Thanksgivings, memorials, weddings, baptisms … has worked in the church as a member of the Chancel Guild long years ago … has been a member or attended the church since childhood, and yet I never enter the building without feeling its hallowedness … its sanctity … a closeness to my ‘loved ones who have gone before’…and as though I were in The House of God, and for a purpose.
Your Old Timer has sat and heard what seemed to me were inspired words from the minister, heard prayers for the Armed Forces through two wars, seen the boys come and go…some not to return … and seen the Sunday School children married as I saw their mothers and fathers married … and again…each time your Old Timer enters the church there is still that feeling of closeness … of its sanctity and hallowedness and the feeling of gratefulness that it is my church, where I am free to worship, love it and be proud of it … and to know its beauty and security.
This essay was originally published in 2016 to mark the bicentennial of Saint James’ Warrenton.
