Saint Lydia was known as “The Woman of Purple”. She was a successful business woman who sold purple dye and cloth. What we know of Lydia is found in the Acts of the Apostles. It is told that Lydia meets Paul of Tarsus, hears the story of Jesus and is baptized. She is notable for being the first recorded convert to Christianity in Europe thus making her the first woman to be enrolled as a citizen of the kingdom of heaven. She was the first believer to open her home as a worship center. This benefitted Paul and the early church as well as the lives of future generations of believers. Lydia teaches us to have an open heart and to be prepared for the moment, seeking something bigger than ourselves. She is the patron saint of dyers and listening and suggests we be willing to invite others to experience what we have experienced.
Dedicated in 1962, this window is in loving memory of Julia K Ferguson. The window goes hand in hand with St. Paul, the window next to hers, dedicated to her husband, Crawford Ferguson.
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