The window that was very effectively relocated to the choir room rehearsal area below the chancel when the organ  was enlarged is a timely one to highlight in November when we honor our veterans. Richard Chalmers Finn, 1923-1945, a Christ Church choir boy and crucifer is memorialized in this window. He served in the U.S. Navy and flew a torpedo bomber in the squadron named “The Scorpions” based on the aircraft carrier Salamaua in 1944 and 1945, critical years in the battle for the Pacific. Tragically and heroically, Ensign Dick Finn was killed on May 1, 1945 while on active flight duty, only three and a half months before the war against Japan ended.

The window depicts the story of St. George slaying the dragon, or the triumph of good over evil, which is a very apt image for the epic battle against the Axis powers in World War II. The airman is shown as a winged angel in armor with a deep red robe on his shoulder and arm and his foot on the  green body of a crocodile like dragon, holding evil at bay with his lance pointed at the dragon’s head. A rich blue border was added when the single lancet window was moved. The window was designed and made by the firm of Arthur and Ethel B. Norris from New Rochelle, New York in 1946. 

Other details in the window show the naval air insignia of Finn’s rank; the insignia of his squadron, “The Scorpions”, with a scorpion diving through space with stings of two machine guns and a torpedo; and the scales of justice. A mitre-like emblem, perhaps referring to the role of the church in Finn’s short life, is also depicted. 

There are two Finns listed on the World War I memorial who are most likely a grandfather and an uncle. More immediately, Airman Finn was the brother of the late Bettie Horton, a longtime church member, lay leader, and talented Altar Guild volunteer.