Bill Darlison’s Palm Sunday sermon (reproduced inside this edition of Oscailt) questioned the traditional account of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, a scene that is represented in one of our stained glass windows. This month’s front cover is a reproduction of both sides of the window that face you as you come in, on the West wall of the church: ‘Palm Sunday’, executed by L.Lobin of Tours, France, date 1867. (photos P.Spain)
It shows Jesus riding a donkey. Or is it a mule? In true Unitarian style it is not immediately clear. If you cover the head of the animal with your hand then the feet and body that are left visible look like a horse. The gait and high step of the fore leg would make you think it is a horse. If you then do the opposite and cover the body of the animal, then the head is definitely that of a donkey - look at the long ears. If it is a donkey then part of the cross that every donkey has on its back should be visible. But no! Conveniently the robe of the rider is discreetly covering this part. Was the artist of a Unitarian bent or was he instructed to execute the design in this manner?

P.Spain.

Licensing of Chris Hudson
On Saturday 30th April, 2005 at 2 pm Chris Hudson will be licensed as a minister in the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church, under the auspices of the Synod of Munster. All are welcome to attend the ceremony, and there will be light refreshments afterwards in (we hope!) the Damer Hall.
This ceremony will mark the culmination of five long years of preparation and study.
B.Darlison.