The East window, at St John's, Pencombe, Herefordshire.

The window was dedicated to, Louisa Margaret Domvile, died and buried
at Pencombe, April 5th, 1840 aged 16 years.

Matthew 28:6 reports that the angel told the women that Jesus was already risen.

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee.

Acts 1:11

And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into Heaven."

I wondered why given the space, that the East window was not either higher so it can be seen, or that the greek style shelf behind the altar, should not be there, allowing this beautiful piece of glass to be seen properly.

St John's church at Pencombe is designed in a Norman style, that echos the former building on this site, the church was entirely rebuilt in the Victorian period, replacing a 12th century to late medieval building that was by then in a poor condition.
 
The architect was Thomas Nicholson of Hereford and the rebuilding took place in 1863-1865. The church appears to follow a new design but one wonders which features may have been inspired by its predecessor, such as the apsed chancel which follows a Norman plan. The tower with its pyramid-cap stands proud on the south side and the nearby porch and west wall also betray rich Neo-Norman carving.
 
The interior at first sight appears somewhat chilly and austere, all white-rendered and initially rather plain. The nave is a large open space but by contrast the chancel beyond subdivides into smaller darker spaces that draw the eye towards the apse where the decorative detail is more pronounced. The only reminder of the old church is the old font, itself replaced by a much more ornate Victorian piece at the west end of the nave.
 

 ©peh