CTW 2021 The Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross by Ken Cooke

Ken Cooke was born in Bristol in 1924. When he was called up, he was sent to the Royal Engineers Field Survey Section, which utilised his artistic abilities in the drawing and production of maps.  Ken was a member of the Bristol Savages and exhibited his paintings in their annual exhibitions. He worked for Fords of Bristol, an advertising agency.  When in 1971 the family moved to Newbury, Berkshire, he became involved in The Newbury Art Group. His Stations are used by St George the Martyr, Wash Common, Newbury during Holy Week and Easter.  Ken was a prominent member of this church until his death in September 2015, aged 91.

Why he painted the images

Ken painted the Stations of the Cross for himself in 2000.

He had been inspired by the exhibition ‘SEEING SALVATION’ at the National Gallery in London and a new set of Stations of the Cross at Liverpool Cathedral in 2000. He did not paint the face of Jesus as he wanted everyone to focus on the Body of Jesus.

Permission to use these images has kindly been granted by the family of the artist Ken Cooke and a donation has been made to the Capt Sir Tom Charity.

As we accompany Jesus on His journey to Calvary, you are invited to take a moment out of your day to reflect on how difficult that journey was. Jesus carried his cross through the narrow crowded streets of Jerusalem. It was Passover time and so the city was full of people, many of whom mocked, jostled, and took pleasure in watching as Jesus struggled with his heavy burden. The way was often steep.

The journey that Jesus made on that day remains a symbol of Christianity in the world, as it struggles with its own crosses and failures, and the challenges of modern life. The streets of our town are filled with people who carry their personal crosses, who are bruised, battered and broken.

Through these Stations of the Cross, Jesus is inviting us to journey with him and to reflect on his suffering as it continues in the lives of his people. In solidarity with all who suffer, let us pray that we will be open to whatever he wants us to see, hear and understand.

As you travel around the Windsor, Clewer and Dedworth, you will see the Stations posted outside all our Churches Together in Windsor, serving as a witness to the world that it is Lent and that we journey together through Holy Week towards Easter.

The words to the reflections come from Sr. Anne Holton RSM, written for the Jubilee Year.

The sung response given at the end of each Station is taken from the spiritual song ‘Were You There’.

Churches Together in Windsor Route

At each Station there is a short Reflection and Prayer - you can download them here

Station 1: Jesus is condemned to die

St Andrews, Mill Lane

Station 2: Jesus takes up his cross

St Stephens with St Agnes, Vansittart Rd

Station 3: Jesus falls for the first time

Windsor Methodist Church, Alma Rd

Station 4: Jesus meets his Mother

St Edward’s, Alma Rd

Station 5: Simon helps Jesus

Holy Trinity, Trinity Place

Station 6: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus

St John The Baptist, The High Street

Station 7: Jesus falls for the second time

URC, William St                                          

Station 8: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem

Windsor Baptist Church, Victoria Street

Station 9: Jesus falls for a third time

All Saints, Francis Rd

Station 10: Jesus is stripped of his clothing

St Agnes, St Leonard’s Rd

Station 11: Jesus is nailed to the cross

All Saints, Dedworth Rd

Station 12: Jesus dies on the cross

St Mark’s, Dedworth Rd

Station 13: Jesus is taken down from the cross

Kerith Community Church, Dedworth Rd

Station 14: Jesus is laid in the tomb

Dedworth Baptist Church, Smiths Lane