Subject

Geelong Grammar Crest and the initials of the Royal Australian Artillery

Text

Christus Nobis Factus Sapientia / Consensu Stabiles

Inscription

[Plaque] A.M.D.G. In loving memory of Lieutenant Colonel Henry Dundas Keith Macartney CMG DSO born 1st February 1880 died 24th October 1932 beloved husband of Alexandrina Vans Macartney. Eight years scholar of this school. Twenty years in the Royal Australian Artillery. Served with the Australian Forces in the Great War. Five times mentioned in dispatches Awarded CMG DSO.

Description & History

The Latin text of the lefthand light was taken from 1 Corinthians 1:30 "For us, Christ was made wisdom...' , the motto of the Geelong Grammar School, appropriately displayed beneath the school crest. Instead of the complex badge of the Royal Australian Artillery, the initials 'RAA' were placed beneath the Crown and above the post-Federation motto, 'Consensu Stabiles', that is usually translated as 'Firm and Steadfast'. These two lights were the first commemorative windows to fill the side aisles. The pair of windows, each measuring 28 1/2 x 12 1/8 inches, was ordered from Brooks, Robionson & Co. by Mrs HD Macartney in March 1933. The window was unveiled by Brigadier FB Heritage who spoke of Lieutenant-Colonel Macartney as a fine soldier, notably on the Western Front, and his influence as an instructor at Duntroon Military College. A plaque with details of the military career of Lieutenant Colonel Macartney CMG DSO was made in Opus Sectile by Brooks, Robinson & Co., and installed on the column separating the two lights. 'Opus Sectil'e was the proprietory name of an opaque vitreous tile that, like glass, could be painted and then kiln-fired to make a permanent image or inscription. Many were made by the firm as honour rolls for churches and schools throughout Australia.