Out of a Remembrance Day 2024 initiative of the Rev. Brendon Bedford to contact all the churches represented in our WWII Memorial Windows and relay their story, a connection with St. Giles', Cripplegate in London, UK was made. The piece of glass retreived by the Rev. Harold Appleyard that was originally from St. Giles' - two hands holding each other - is the only surviving piece of pre-WWII glass belonging to that church, given the level of damage their building suffered during the bombing campaign.
The Rev. Canon Jack Noble, rector of St. Giles', invited Fr. Brendon to visit St. Giles' and preach at a service. In Summer 2025, Fr. Brendon and his wife, Ashley, made the journey to London for a service, and brought with them two gifts on behalf of Christ Church, Meaford - a diamond-shaped piece of plain glass from one of the original 'placeholder' windows that were replaced in 1946 by the Memorial Windows, and a silver communion chalice.
The intention was to have an exchange of glass. Recognizing that Christ Church already had a piece of St. Giles' glass, it was thought only proper for St. Giles' to hold a piece of Christ Church's original glass. The silver chalice was offered in recognition of the connection in Christian faith the two Anglican communities share across the ocean.
The Rev. Lucy Newman Cleeve (pictured), Assistant Curate of St. Giles', received the gifts on behalf of the parish.
Similar pieces of glass were also gifted to Bath Abbey and St. Paul's Cathedral.
On All Saints' Day 2025, with the intention of continuing a connection with each other across oceans and time, Christ Church, Meaford and St. Giles', Cripplegate made a formal commitment to pray for one another. A covenant was signed by clergy and wardens in both countries that the two church communities would hold each other in prayer on a regular basis.
At each Sunday service, the people and clergy of St. Giles' are upheld in prayer by the Christ Church community.
Pictured: Garry Minielly (Peoples' Warden), The Rev. Brendon Bedford (holding the signed covenant), Jean Richardson (Dept. Rector's Warden), Bill Alcock (Rector's Warden)
Christ Church, Meaford's piece of glass is now the resting place of the water before the aumbry in St. Giles' Cripplegate, while the gifted chalice is used in the church's mid-week services of Holy Eucharist.
A view of St. Giles', Cripplegate (London, UK)
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
On this Feast of All Saints, as we give thanks to God for the great communion of saints in every time and place, we, the people of Christ Church, Meaford, in the Diocese of Huron of the Anglican Church of Canada, and St. Giles’ Church, Cripplegate, in the Diocese of London of the Church of England, enter joyfully into a covenant of mutual prayer and partnership.
United in the one Body of Christ and members of the worldwide Anglican Communion, with shared gifts of glass from our respective church buildings as tangible signs of our connection across time and oceans, we recognize our shared calling to proclaim the Gospel, to build up the Body of Christ, and to serve God's mission in the world.
Therefore, in faith and hope, and in the presence of Almighty God, we commit to:
- Pray for one another, regularly and intentionally, remembering each other’s clergy, people, and ministries in our intercessions, trusting that God strengthens the Church through prayer.
- Encourage one another in our discipleship and witness, sharing in our joys and challenges, and offering mutual support in our journeys of faith.
- Deepen our relationship through ongoing communication, exchanging of news, and, where possible, personal visits and shared worship.
This covenant is a sign of the unity we already share in Christ, and a pledge to grow together as fellow members of Christ’s Body.
May our partnership be a source of encouragement, inspiration, and joy, as we follow Christ together, surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses.
Signed on this Feast of All Saints (transferred), the 2nd day of November, in the Year of our Lord 2025.