Stained glass window in memory of Coyle and Tina Hazelwood

by Sheree Felix

Dennis Harmon, the artist for the stained glass window installed in the new columbarium, described the piece perfectly: “The theme of light, remembrance and rebirth are represented by a colorful sunrise suggesting the rebirth of life in the Kingdom. The greenery and organic shapes denote our earthly life, superimposed over a strong spiritual and uplifting transition. The dark purple lineal frame portion suggests the finite structured order and plan of the universe.”

The window is a wonderful symbol of our parents’ lengthy commitment to Belmont UMC and to each other. We believe the overall feeling of light and hope are appropriate homage to our parents’ consistent cheer and positive outlook on life.

The heartfelt stained glass window allows for our parents to be remembered by the Belmont UMC family and the wider community in a beautiful and unique way. The window also provides a special place for descendants to visit and remember them for years to come.

We were blessed with the opportunity to continue a tradition of having a memorial stained glass window installed for a loved one that our grandfather Rev. Ernest Blessing started when a stained glass window was installed at Pleasant View UMC in memory of our grandmother Gertrude Blessing. A memorial stained glass window was installed at Hillsboro UMC in Leipers Fork for both of our grandparents by our mother and her sister Bettye Plant.

The window was personalized with a very subtle and equally special touch of Mother and Daddy. If you have a few minutes to stand inside the new columbarium and look toward the window, on the left side is an outline of the wing of a butterfly facing toward the image of the sun. In the bottom right hand corner there are three bright red pieces of glass which represent poppies. For as long as we can remember, Mother loved butterflies and their symbolism of the resurrection and eternal life. Whenever we see poppy flowers we think of our Daddy and their symbol of remembrance. While poppies have been associated with death throughout history, they also symbolize regeneration and eternal life.

When you find time to enjoy the memorial window, we hope and pray that you will revel in the colors and feel God’s presence, reassurance, and comfort.