Reviewed by: Pat Byington
Welsh artists visit Birmingham to honor 60th anniversary of The Wales Window for Alabama
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60 years ago, the people of Wales gifted the beautiful “Wales Window for Alabama” to Birmingham’s 16th Street Baptist Church as a “sympathetic gesture” following the tragic bombing in 1963. Now, the artist’s son and a Welsh band called The Water Poets have traveled to Birmingham to attend the 60th Anniversary of The Wales Window at 16th Street Baptist Church.
Read on to learn more.
About The Wales Window for Alabama
In the aftermath of the horrific 1963 16th Street Baptist Church bombing that killed four young girls—Addie Mae Collins (age 14), Cynthia Wesley (age 14), Carole Robertson (age 14) and Carol Denise McNair (age 11)—Welsh artist John Petts felt moved to create a stained-glass window as a gift to the church.
To fund the project, Petts launched a crowdfunded campaign in Wales that limited donations to half a Crown (about 15 cents in today’s money). This way, the gift would come from the people of Wales and not a single wealthy donor.
The fundraising campaign quickly surpassed Petts’ goal, and the stunning window was dedicated on June 6, 1965.
The Wales Window for Alabama, which depicts a Black Christ with arms outstretched, includes the words, “You do it to Me”—a reference to Matthew 25:40, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to Me.”
Welsh artists visit Birmingham for 60th anniversary of The Wales Window for Alabama
This week, a special group of Welsh poets, musicians and artists has made its way “across the pond” to pay tribute to The Wales Window for Alabama.
For the past four years, The Water Poets from Llansteffan, Wales have been sharing the story of how the people of Wales responded to the tragic 1963 bombing through a unique musical storytelling performance. Now, The Water Poets—as well as John Petts’ son, Mick Petts—have journeyed to Birmingham to honor the connection.
On Friday, June 27, The Water Poets and Mick Petts will join a commemorative church service at the 16th Street Baptist Church, where Mick will share a presentation and The Water Points will perform original songs about the Wales Window and the ties between Wales and Birmingham.
The event kicks off at 9AM sharp, and is free and open to the public.
Planning to attend the 60th Anniversary of the Wales Window at 16th Street Baptist Church? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!
