ISBN 978-1-922803-74-0
HARDCOVER

Shedding Light

A history of St. Columb’s Anglican Church, Hawthorn through its stained glass windows

Shedding Light explores the rich history of St. Columb’s Anglican Church, Hawthorn, using its beautiful stained-glass windows as a point of reference. With more than 150 illustrations, it celebrates the artistry of some of Melbourne’s most gifted stained-glass creators, and remembers the lives of the parishioners to whom those windows are dedicated. Drawing extensively upon church records and newspaper reports across 140 years, it provides a careful historical examination of the significant influence and ministry of this local church. The meaning of the symbols and stories contained in the windows are analysed and explained, shedding light on the gospel message.

The Rev. Malcolm Woolrich is an Anglican priest and lawyer. Since 2013, he has served as a chaplain at Melbourne Grammar School, Wadhurst. For the last decade, he has been a member of the Peter MacCallum Hospital Ethics Committee, as well as a member and chair of Anglicare Victoria’s Ethics Committee. Together with his wife Karina and three daughters, he has worshipped at St. Columb’s, Hawthorn for over 30 years. 

Hill of Grace quality Christian content

Testimonials

“With its imposing and longstanding presence in Hawthorn, St Columb’s is a worthy local history subject. However, Shedding Light is anything but merely parochial. Malcolm Woolrich takes us on a journey that includes everything from the British empire, architecture and aesthetics to church politics, biblical story and personal anecdote, even throwing in some occasional scandal and controversy. A rollicking read, from a true polymath, I highly recommend this beautifully produced volume.”

Brian Rosner
Principal, Ridley College

“This book is an important addition to the understanding of the connection of a local church to the people and social movements which shaped both the Hawthorn and wider Melbourne communities from the late nineteenth century.”

Elizabeth Yewers
President, Hawthorn Historical Society