Historic Stained Glass Windows c.1909
Silas' memorial window is on the southeast wall at the back of the church. Thanks to the wonderful resource of the Buckland Historical Society and Museum we have some great biographical information about Silas via a copy of the program of his funeral service which included his obituary noted as being from the Gazette & Courier, Greenfield, Mass., Nov. 10, 1888. The following gives us great insight into the man he was beyond what is printed in the Buckland History book:
In Loving Remembrance of Our Father,
Dea Silas Trowbridge
Died in Buckland,
Nov. 3d 1888
Aged 90 yrs 7 mos 20 days
Silas Trowbridge, who entered into rest early Saturday morning, was for twenty-four years a deacon and for seventy-two years a member of the Congregational church, being a resident of this town for over ninety years.
The events of his long and useful life have furnished an interesting and instructive theme at the birthday gatherings which he has held for the past twenty years.
As a farmer, and especially in his cooper’s shop, he has labored diligently, often working until after nine o’clock at night and resuming his task by four in the morning.
He was the center for social and religious life in his neighborhood, counting it one of his chief privileges to the very end of his active life to attend and assist in maintaining the prayer-meeting in the neighboring school house. His Christian character visibly matured and ripened during the closing years of his life, and his testimony to the sovereignty of the Lord Jesus Christ and the blessings of redeeming grace lost nothing in clearness and power even to the very last of his utterances.
To his family he was remarkably sincere and open in all his dealings and expressions, so that they felt him to be living in the sight of the Lord, and ever ready that others should see his heart as the Lord saw it.
He was a man of endearing attachments, and will be greatly missed by the circle of his acquaintances and friends, which includes not only his neighbors, but many in other towns and states.
Beginning without educational advantages or external resources he worked his way by perseverance and energy, and constant endeavors to acknowledge his Maker, to a position of eminence and honor in the community. He was firm as a rock in his character, because he built upon the Rock.
During his long service as deacon he failed but once to be present at the communion, and he never omitted family prayers except under unusual circumstances.
He was born March 14, 1798. His wife preceded him sixteen years ago. Two sons have died, one in the army. Five children are living: James, in E. Charlemont, Mrs. Stratton and Mrs. Leavitt in Buckland, Pomeroy in Iowa, and Mrs. Palmer in Kansas.
Silas’ window has a five-pointed star in the upper panel and passion flowers in the center panel.
This star is a symbol of the Epiphany, or the revelation of the Christ Child to the Gentile wise men. In the Gospel of Matthew account, the Magi (often translated as "wise men", but more accurately astrologers) arrive at the cour of Herod in Jerusalem and tell the king of a star which signifies the birth of the King of the Jews…
A passion flower is a woody vine that has unusual blossoms. Roman Catholic priests of the late 1500's named it for the Passion (suffering and death) of Jesus Christ. The circle of hair-like rays above the petals suggested the crown of thorns that Jesus wore on the day of His death.