Monday 3rd March 2025
Windows in the Psalms
Tyler Sewell-Nicholas
Mary, 89, who lives at Royd Court in Mirfield, has created a beautiful book, Windows in the Psalms, featuring paintings she made while her husband was living with Alzheimer’s Disease. Tyler Sewell-Nicholas finds out more
In the summer of 2015, Mary arrived at Royd Court on a bright, sunny day. She describes the light that day as “very bright,” almost a metaphor for the new chapter unfolding in her life. With macular degeneration affecting her sight and after years of caregiving for her beloved husband, Cecil, Mary sought rest and solace in our housing scheme at Mirfield. Little did she know that unpacking her long-forgotten art folder would open the door to a remarkable creative journey.
Mary’s story is one of resilience and love. She met her husband, Cecil, through their shared calling with the Overseas Missionary Fellowship, formerly the China Inland Mission. Mary, from Yorkshire, and Cecil, from Londonderry, crossed paths in Malaysia, where Mary taught missionary children in the cool mountains of North Malaya. Cecil, an Anglican vicar at a Chinese church in Singapore, came to the mountains for a brief respite. What began as a fleeting encounter grew into a deep connection. In 1971, Mary agreed to marry him, and their life of faith and service began in earnest.
Together, they raised two children while serving in Singapore and later in the UK, where Cecil became a lecturer at the London Bible College. His passion for working with young people was evident; wherever they went, Cecil gathered groups of students to share not only theological insights but also laughter, games, and camaraderie. Life seemed full and joyful until the shadows of Alzheimer’s began to creep into their world.
The birth of Mary’s art
Cecil’s diagnosis in 1996 marked the beginning of a long, exhausting journey for the couple. Over ten years, his illness gradually stole his independence, memory, and peace. In the later stages, Cecil became increasingly agitated and aggressive, eventually needing to move into care. For Mary, the demands of caregiving had taken their toll, leaving her physically and emotionally drained.
During this difficult time, Mary turned to art – a gift she hadn’t touched since her school days. “I was absolutely worn out,” she recalls. “I didn’t know what to do. And so, I began to paint.” What started as a tentative exploration became a profound source of comfort and strength. Mary describes how the Lord inspired her with clear images and verses from the Psalms (and one or two Proverbs), which she translated into vibrant paintings. “It was a kind of prayer, a conversation – not a very holy prayer, just a normal chat,” she says, her faith infusing every brushstroke.
One of her most cherished pieces is inspired by Proverbs 18:10: “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it and is safe.” The painting features a towering fortress rising above a stormy sea, vividly portraying the refuge she found in her faith during life’s most turbulent moments. For Mary, creating these works was not just art but a form of “art therapy,” helping her process grief and connect with God.
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From paintings to pages
When Mary moved to Royd Court, a friend helping her unpack discovered her art folder and was astonished. “This is a gift the Lord has given you,” her friend exclaimed. “You can’t keep it shut away. You’ve got to share it.” And so, the idea to create a book full of her paintings was born.
At first, Mary was reluctant. “I never thought of making a book,” she says. But with encouragement and practical help from friends, her paintings and the accompanying verses were compiled into a beautiful collection. Over the years, more than 2,000 copies of the book have been shared. Mary doesn’t sell the book for profit; instead, she gives it away or allows others to distribute it for a small charge to cover printing costs
A message of hope
Mary hopes the book helps others feel the Lord’s presence as their refuge and strength, just as He was for her during difficult times.
She reflects on how painting became a form of healing during her husband’s illness and after his passing. “Whilst I painted, I could talk to Him,” she says. “It gave me a peace of mind and heart.”
Though her hands are no longer busy with paintbrushes, Mary’s spirit remains vibrant, her faith unshaken. As she approaches her 90th birthday, her story reminds us that even in the face of loss and hardship, it’s never too late to rediscover old gifts, create something meaningful, and inspire others along the way.
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