South Aisle windows

South side – east end

(nearest to the altar)

This window is dedicated ‘to the glory of God and in loving memory of William and Mary Cormack, Royal Hotel, Stonehaven.  Gifted by their son W. B. Cormack.

The Royal Hotel is the building in Allardice Street directly opposite the Market Square Building, and now trades as Number 44.

South side – second from the east

This window is dedicated ‘in memory of Frank Arthur Soper (1868 – 1954) and of his wife Elizabeth Hampton Soper (1872 – 1956)’.

The window depicts the dove of peace, animals and flowers.  The quotation “All things that have breath praise the Lord” comes from the 6th verse of Psalm 150.

South Side – middle window

It is dedicated to “the glory of God and in grateful memory of Adam and Mary Stephen and Peter and Elspet Lees”,

The tablet states “and when the morning was came, they meet Jesus standing on the shore”, a quotation from the Gospel of St John, chapter 21 verse 4.

The Fourth window on the South side

The window depicts St Andrew, the patron saint of fishermen.  It is dedicated ‘to the glory of God and in memory of Andrew Christie, fisherman, born St Andrew’s Day 1864, died 6th June 1937″.

The South side – west end

nearest the entrance door

This modern window is dedicated to Alice Moira Emslie, who was a lifelong member of the St James’ congregation and the Stonehaven community.

The separate dedication panel goes on to say:

“A dearly loved wife, mother, Nana and friend, this window is dedicated to a celebration of her rich and varied life.

From daily life within the Stonehaven community to Scottish Country Dancing, the Townswomen’s Guild and special occasions such as Burns Suppers, Moira enjoyed all the aspects of her Scottish Heritage, which is portrayed by the Thistles at the bottom of the window.

The Church and especially St James’ was always central in Moira’s life.  Her Baptism, Confirmation, Wedding and Funeral were all held here in St James’.  From her role as member of the Vestry, singing in church and baking for church coffee mornings, Moira was always active in the Church community.  Retirement offered her more leisure time to enjoy arts and crafts, especially tapestry and cross-stitch, for which she displayed a particular flair.  It is these two aspects of Moira’s life that the church on the tapestry frame illustrates.

Moira was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and a natural musical talent.  Roles in the church choir, Townswomen’s Guild Concert Party and playing the organ ensured that this talent was enjoyed by many.  This is represented by the musical notes.

Always active throughout her working life and retirement, Moira loved spending time outdoors whether it was hillwalking, golfing, walking the dog or simply enjoying the splendour of Scotland’s magnificent countryside.  This is illustrated in the landscape scene at the top of the window.

The sun shining down over the whole window is indicative of the joy and happiness Moira brought to the lives of everyone who had he privilege to knew her.