Subject

Love

Text

Love

Inscription

In memory of Gladys Louisa Cain Hospital Sister Daughter of Rev. J.H. & Mrs. Cain, who died, 11th June 1919 I am among men as one that serveth Luke 22.27 Erected by her parents

Description & History

The cartoon for Love was almost certainly made by George H Dancey (1865-1922) from a design by William Wheildon (1873-1941). The same cartoon was more commonly entitled Charity and constantly re-used over more than 50 years. This window can be considered a 'pair' with the window to the sons of Methodist ministers who died on active service as it recognises the service of a Minister's daughter. The window was unveiled by Mr Edgar, MLC. on 31 January 1920.

Gladys Cain (1890-1919) was on the nursing staff of the Melbourne Hospital when she enlisted for active service and although she did not serve overseas she did work as an Army nursing sister at Caulfield Military Hospital where she died as a result of influenza contracted during the epidemic in 1919. Her father, the Reverend James Henry Cain OBE (1866-1940) became Superintendent of the Wesley Mission in Lonsdale Street in 1914 and served there for twenty-five years. He was an Army Chaplain during the First World War but his name does not appear on the memorial to Methodist Chaplains window in the same church, possibly because his service was on the home front.

References & Acknowledgements

Argus, 2 February 1920, p.6; personal communication Ruth Villani.

With thanks to Ruth Villani for information on her Cain family forebears.