Saint Stephen's Chapel.

The Plunket Windows.

Here we have two windows and a brass plaque dedicated to Annie Lee Plunket, only daughter of Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness Bart, and wife of Lord Plunket, Archbishop of Dublin. The brass plaque tells us that she “was moved to sympathy with the trials of the poor, and laboured for the relief of their bodily and spiritual wants.” Here was a woman of wealth and stature, who became as a servant to those who were in need. She cared for the needy not only physically but spiritually also. Her faith in Jesus, and his calling upon the Christian community to help those in need, meant that she was “loved and valued” by those around her. It is only fitting then that the windows dedicated to her depict someone who is of equal worth in the eyes of those who are in need. The story shown is that of Dorcas, as mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 9, verses 36 to 41. We are told that “In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor.” Tabitha followed Jesus’ example. She helped those who were in need, she believed in Jesus, and she did what she knew to be right. Her faith was strong.

The passage goes on to tell us that “about that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room.”Her time on this Earth was ended, or was it? The disciples, who were in Joppa with her at that time, believed otherwise. They had faith to believe that something could be done. They sent for Peter who was staying in Lydda, a town nearby. “Please come at once!” they asked. The passage tells us that “Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room”. But what could he do? Peter prayed, he looked up to Heaven, and prayed to God, just as Jesus had taught him to do. When he had finished he simply said “Tabitha, get up,” and she opened her eyes, and stood up. This event changed the lives of many. Not only was Tabitha able to continue her ministry to the poor and needy but also the passage tells us that from that day, in Joppa, “many people believed in the Lord.”

The creators of the window have also backed up the caring ministries of both Tabitha (Dorcas) and Annie Lee Plunket with words spoken by Jesus, for the verses “I was thirsty and ye gave me a drink”, and “I was in prison, and ye came to unto me” are taken directly from the Gospel according to Matthew Chapter 25 verses 35 and 36, where Jesus tells his disciples how the Son of Man will judge the nations. “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Caring for those around is truly a ministry blessed by God for those who believe in Jesus Christ. Tabitha knew it, and so did Lady Plunket, the person to whom these windows are worthily dedicated.

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