Subject

Transfiguration of Christ

Text

It is good for us to be here

Inscription

Opus sectile plaque: This window is erected by Lydia Umphelby in memory of her husband, C.W. Umphelby, died 1892 and sons, Colonel C.E.L. Umphelby killed in the Boer War 1900, Major T.F. Umphelby, died 1908 and George Umphelby died 1861.

Description & History

The Umphelby window was a traditional representation of the Transfiguration of Christ, with the artist making great use of light to express Christ's glowing figure. The tracery cleverly represented the seraphim of Isaiah's vision. Many of the inscriptions for windows in St. John's used 'opus sectile' plaques on the sills below, which allowed the full space of the window openings to be used for the subject, as was the case in this instance. The window, made by Brooks, Robinson & Co.,was unveiled by Brigadier-General WV Clark at 3.30 pm on Sunday 18 September 1921.

Lieutenant Colonel Charles Edward Umphelby (1853-1900) joined the Militia Garrison Artillery on 20 June 1881 and was appointed lieutenant in the permanant artillery in 1885. Promoted to Captain on 1 January 1888, Major in 1894 and then to Lieutenant Colonel in 1897. After additional training in England he was placed in command of the Queenscliffe fort in 1890. The war in South Africa saw his selection as a special service officer to sail with the New South Wales contingent. He worked as press censor in Cape Town before transferring to a howitzer division at Modder River. Later, as staff officer to Colonel Barker, he was engaged in movement of batteries and carrying despatches when he was fatally wounded on 10 March 1900. He was buried first at the site of the field hospital and then in Bloemfontein Cemetery. He was the most senior Australian officer to be killed in the Boer War. His brother, Major Thomas F. Umphelby (died 1908) also served in South Africa from 1899 to 1902 with the second Victorian contingent under command of Colonel Price and saw action during which he was awarded the Queen's Medal and two clasps.

References & Acknowledgements

AWM Roll of Honour; Portrait of C.E. Umphelby AWM P04321; Argus, 17 March 1900, p.13; 22 March 1900, p.5; Portland Guardian, 13 December 1899, p.3; Albany Advertiser, 26 April 1900, p.3; Gippsland Times, 9 July 1908, p.3; Church of England Messenger, 14 September 1921, p.442; Biography of Lieutenant Colonel Charles Edward Ernest Umphelby, www.hagsoc.org.au/sagraves/bios/umphelby.php; www.army.gov.au/scma/History.asp