10/04/2025
In November 2023, Rev. Rachel shared an idea with the PCC: to mark the 400th anniversary of John Ray’s birth in 2027 with a new stained glass window at St Peter & St Paul’s Church, Black Notley.
John Ray—naturalist, theologian, and Black Notley’s most remarkable son—is internationally recognised for his pioneering work in classifying plants and animals. A forerunner of Linnaeus and Darwin, he is known as the ‘father of English natural history’. His grave lies in our churchyard, yet his legacy is still being discovered by many.
Seeing the anniversary as a timely moment to celebrate both Ray’s faith and scientific achievements, the idea quickly grew into a wider community project. A small, dedicated group was formed in 2024 to help shape the vision, with input from local schools, the John Ray Society, the John Ray Institute, and the Diocese.
By early 2025, artist Juliet Forrest () was selected to design the window. Her enthusiasm and creativity are already shining through!
This project is about more than a window—it’s about bringing together community, history, art, science, and faith.
We’ll be sharing more updates as the design takes shape and the village joins in to honour a legacy etched in both glass and time.
