Behind Every Inscription Is a Life
Many visitors to Kirkfield, Ontario pause to admire the beautiful stained glass windows at the Olde Kirk on the main street. Inside, each window bears an inscription and behind each one is the story of a person, a family, and a connection to the surrounding community.
This book project, Stories Behind the Glass, introduces the people remembered in the windows of the former St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, now home to the Kirkfield & District Historical Society. It will also include the traditional meaning of each window, masterfully written by Cheryl Anne Paquette.
The research is winding down, but I invite you to become part of the process. If you recognize a name below and have anything to share, I would be very pleased to hear from you.
Together, we can help ensure that these people are remembered not simply as dates and names, but as lives lived.
How You Can Help
Recognize Someone?
Do you recognize a name or family connection among the people remembered in the windows below?
Share What You Know
Family photographs, letters, documents, newspaper clippings or personal memories can all help tell a fuller story.
Verify A Story
Confirming a detail—or correcting one—will help ensure the information is accurate before the book is published.
Agnes & Wilfrid Stoll
West Wall Dedication
To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of Agnes Beatrice (McLeod) Stoll, June 29th, 1901 – June 17th, 1955 and her husband Wilfrid Henry Stoll, July 18th, 1898 – September 23rd, 1990. Given by their Children: Jean, Donald and Wilfrid M., 1981.
Hopper/Ewen
West Wall Dedication
In Loving Memory of Erin Elizabeth Hopper (1975-1998) Gift of her grandparents, 1999
Jack Hughes
Arch Window Dedication
To the glory of God and in loving memory of Jack Hughes by his children Margaret, James, William, Eric and Ann
Richard & Jane Woffenden
Arch Window Dedication
In Loving Memory of Richard and Jane Woffenden. Installed by Mary Woffenden and Sterling, Lorna, Bruce and Laurie McNabb in 1987.
Wakefield & Sadie Bailey
Arch Window Dedication
In Loving Memory of Wakefield and Sadie Bailey by their Family, 1980.
McInnis/Cookman
West Wall Dedication
To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of Neil D. McInnis and of his wife Rachel Cookman and of their children, May McInnis McEachern and Isabel McInnis and also of Hector D. McInnis and his son Gordon.
Murray & Evelyn Kearns
Arch Window Dedication
To the glory of God and in Loving Memory of Murray Donald Kearns and his sister Evelyn Sarah Kearns.
George & Pearl Bantam
Arch Window Dedication
In loving Memory of our parents George and Pearl Bantam, brother Weldon and sister June by Dolly and Errol 1999
J. Oliver McInnis
Arch Window Dedication
To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of our Uncle J. Oliver McInnis. Installed by Cecil and Dorothea Wiley.
Lucey Family
West Wall Dedication
To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of William Lucey & of his Wife Margaret Cashore & of their children, Josephine Lucey McInnis, Charles Lucey, Ella Lucey Wiley, Zetta Lucey, Minnie Lucey McInnis, & Bessie Lucey McKay. Installed May 9, 1976 by Margaret Chadwick & Cecil Wiley.
Hopper/Ewen
West Wall Dedication
To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of Barbara Jane Ann Hopper. The gift of her parents James and Rita Ewen and Family 1978.
Olive & Wallace Osborne
Arch Window Dedication
In loving memory of our Mother and Father – Olive and Wallace Osborne and brother Robert. Installed by their children.
Elizabeth, Jack & Dougal MacGillivray
Arch Window Dedication
In Loving Memory of my Mother and Father- Elizabeth and Jack MacGillivray and my brother Dougal. Installed in 1984 by Verdun McEachern.
Katherine Hughes
Arch Window Dedication
To the glory of God and in Loving Memory of Katherine MacDonald (Rusland) Hughes by her Husband Jack and Children, Margaret, James, William, Eric and Ann. 1987.
Roderick McKay
West Wall Dedication
In loving memory Roderick Cookman McKay. Died August 8th, 1972. Installed by wife – Bessie L. McKay in 1978.
Current Research Focus
Agnes and Wilfrid Stoll
Agnes Beatrice McLeod Stoll
Born: June 29, 1901
Died: June 17, 1955
Wilfrid Henry Stoll
Born: July 18, 1898
Died: September 23, 1990
Children named in the inscription:
Jean, Donald and Wilfrid M.
Window Inscription
To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of Agnes Beatrice (McLeod) Stoll, June 29th, 1901 – June 17th, 1955 and her husband Wilfrid Henry Stoll, July 18th, 1898 – September 23rd, 1990. Given by their Children: Jean, Donald and Wilfrid M., 1981.
What Is Known
Research into Agnes and Wilfrid’s lives is currently underway. Their children, Jean, Donald and Wilfrid M., dedicated this window to their memory in 1981. A photograph of Wilfrid has recently been located through another Stoll family researcher.
Can You Help?
I am particularly hoping to locate a photograph of Agnes and learn more about her life. I would also welcome family stories, photographs, letters, documents, memories, or corrections concerning Agnes, Wilfrid and their children.
Do You Hold a Piece of A Story?
If you recognized a name, remember a story, or have a photograph, letter, clipping or document tucked away somewhere…
Even a small detail can help bring these stories to life.
When writing, please include the name of the person or family your information concerns and, if possible, how you are connected to them.
Thank you for taking the time to visit!