I am the Light of the World:

Eric Wesselow (1911-1998) was a distinguished Canadian artist, designer, and stained-glass innovator whose works appear in churches and public buildings across Canada. Renowned for his creative use of colour and light, Wesselow's artistry and vision shine through in the memorial window “I Am the Light of the World.”

Photographs of the window before restoration, showing the extent of its deterioration. Over time, the adhesive degraded, changing from clear to yellow and eventually to dark brown, significantly reducing the window's clarity and brilliance. Many pieces of stained glass had also become detached and fallen away over the years, further affecting the integrity and appearance of this cherished work of sacred art.

In 2025, the congregation embraced the mission of restoring “I Am the Light of the World” to its original grandeur. Recognizing the memorial window's artistic, historical, and spiritual significance, parishioners and supporters came together in an extraordinary fundraising effort. In a remarkably short time, they raised more than $30,000 to support the conservation and restoration project.

An extensive search sought an artist with the vision, expertise, and appreciation for the window's spiritual significance to restore this beloved work of sacred art. The restoration was ultimately entrusted to Wendy Daly, a specialist in stained-glass conservation and restoration.

Through meticulous craftsmanship and careful attention to preserving Eric Wesselow's original artistic vision, Wendy Daly restored the window to its brilliance, clarity, and beauty. The project was completed in April 2026, ensuring that “I Am the Light of the World” will continue to inspire worshippers and visitors for generations to come.

The restoration stands as a testament to the congregation's dedication, generosity, and stewardship, whose commitment preserved one of the parish's most treasured works of sacred art. By restoring I Am the Light of the World, the congregation has safeguarded an important part of the parish's heritage, ensuring that its enduring message of faith, hope, and light will continue to shine for future generations.

Wendy Daly (right), the restoration artist and conservator responsible for preserving and restoring the memorial stained-glass window, “I Am the Light of the World.” Pictured at left is Rector's Warden Cindy Poole-Godbout, whose leadership and dedication helped support the successful restoration of this cherished work of sacred art.

On May 17, 2026, the Rev. Graham McCaffrey rededicated the restored memorial window, I Am the Light of the World. The service marked the culmination of the congregation's commitment to preserving this important work of sacred art and celebrated the successful completion of the restoration project in April 2026. Parishioners, donors, and visitors gathered to thank God for the window’s restoration, the renewed brilliance of Eric Wesselow's artistic vision, and Wendy Daly's exceptional conservation work, which restored the window to its original beauty.

The excerpt below is taken from the St. Dunstan of Canterbury Church Bulletin of May 17, 2026, commemorating the rededication of the restored window.

 Blessing of the Stained Glass Windows

Celebrant:       Beloved in the Lord, in His great love for us, the eternal God has taken on human flesh and joined Himself to His own creation.  Heaven and earth are now filled with His glory as He uses the things of this world to bring us His blessing. 

“He has made everything beautiful in its time,” so that we may behold the Lord's beauty and inquire in His holy temple.  It is fitting, then, that this stained-glass window be sanctified once again by Word and prayer for use in the Lord’s house.