Here are excerpts from our historic book – The Legacy of 25 Scripture Verses on Parliament Hill – which exposes the 25 Scripture Verses etched in and on The Peace Tower of the Parliament Buildings. You can find these Scriptures in the concrete arches externally on the Peace Tower, in the brass on the Altar of Remembrance in the Memorial Chamber and etched in the beautiful Stained Glass Windows on the East, South and West of the Memorial Chamber.
Over the South Window facing Wellington Street is Psalm 72:1 Give the king Thy judgements O God and Thy righteousness to the king’s son.
Over the East Window is Canada’s Motto, taken from Psalm 72:8 He shall have dominion also from sea to sea. Over the West Window is the verse from Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision the people perish.
In the first panel at the top is a woman, holding a crown. She represents Victory. Over her head is the Scripture: Thanks be to God who giveth us the victory (1 Corinthians 15:57). Buy the colouring page!
Between the word ‘VICTORY’ which is printed under the woman, and the figures in the bottom panel (who represent the ‘people of Canada’ holding spears and shields), is the Scripture: Faithful Unto Death (Revelation 2:10). The government’s website says ‘Faith’ unto death, and the location of this Scripture is not cited.
Under the feet of the ‘people of Canada’ is the Scripture: Quit ye like men. Be strong (1 Corinthians 16:13). (Act like men. Be strong [ESV]). Buy the colouring page!
The figure representing ‘Labour’ is seen in the second panel of the East Window. He stands under symbols such as a shovel and an astrolabe, and the phrase ‘Fortitudo, Industria Et Pax’ (Strength, Industry and Peace). Under the feet of the people, at the bottom of the panel you see the Scripture: Thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle (Psalm 18:39; 2 Samuel 22:40). Buy the colouring page!
What is most notable though, is the plethora of Biblical imagery in the South window. For example, in one panel is a figure representing Michael the Archangel, in the next is a representation of St. George killing the dragon and in the next is a figure representing Justice who holds a sword. On the blade is the figure of the crucified Christ. The last panel represents Joan of Arc.
In the third upper panel of the south window, we see the figure of Justice holding a long, double edged sword, on the crossguard of which is hung a set of scales. The blade is engraved with the figure of Christ on the cross, and the banner above the head of Justice bears the word ‘Retributionem’, Latin for ‘Retribution’ or punishment for sin. Christians understand that this refers to the the sacrifice of Christ as a substitute for our sin. The fact that this sword is borne by the figure of Justice serves as a beautiful reminder that Christ’s blood has satisfied the Justice of God, and we bear our guilt no longer. Buy the colouring page!
In the first upper panel of the South window we see the winged figure representing Archangel Michael bearing a trumpet, signifying a call to battle in the cause of righteousness. Under the feet of the image of the Archangel Michael is the Scripture: The Lord is good. A stronghold in the day of trouble (Nahum 1:7).
In the third panel, the figure representing Justice wields her/his great sword. His sword balances the scales of justice, and displays the crucified Christ on its blade. The meaning of the crucifixion for Christians is that Christ’s death paid the utimate penalty for God’s justice against sin. The government’s website makes no mention of the Scripture, and it provides a false interpretation of the crucifixion as ‘symbolizing the sufferings borne both by the victors and the vanquished’. Under Justice’s feet is the Scripture: He shall execute judgement and justice in the earth (Jeremiah 23:5).
In the third panel under the figure of Justice is a quote from Pericles: “Freedom is the sure possession of these alone who have the courage to defend it.”
The figure in row 1 of the second panel in the West window represents Prosperity. There are two Scripture verses over the figure. Just above the blue shield you can see a ribbon with the words ‘Prosper thou’, and the word ‘Build’, just under the shield. This is taken from the Scripture: …and prosper thou, and build the house of the Lord thy God, as he hath said of thee (1 Chronicles 22:11). Immediately around the head and shoulders of that same figure representing Prosperity, are the words ‘shalt make thy way prosperous’. This is from the Scripture: …for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success (Joshua 1:8).
In the second panel, just under the word ‘PROSPERITY’, is the Scripture: The fields are white to harvest (John 4:35).
Just under the Scripture, ‘The fields are white to harvest’, are two figures who represent Agriculture. Immediately below these figures’ feet, you can read the Scripture: He maketh wars to cease (Psalm 46:9). This substantial Christian message, embedded in John A. Pearson’s vision of peace, is nowhere referenced in the government website’s description of the windows.
At the top of the third panel in the West window is a figure who represents Progress. Under the silver shield are the words ‘Victor Ropte Progrediore’, which we think is translated ‘conqueror go forth’. Around his shoulders is the Scripture: Wise in heart and mighty in strength (Job 9:4).
In row 2 of the third panel, is the figure representing ‘Honour’. Under his feet is the Scripture: Judgement shall return unto righteousness (Psalm 94:15).
