The Peace Memorial Window was erected by the Anglican Church of the Ascension congregation to honour members who died in the Great War. It was unveiled and dedicated by the Lord Bishop of Montreal on February 15, 1920. Designed by John Patrick O'Shea and Henri Perdriau in 1920, the window depicts Christ standing in front of a colonnade while representatives of France and England pay tribute to Him. St. George and the Archangel Michael, both symbolic of the struggle of good over evil, kneel on either side of Him, while Britannia, Joan of Arc, the Black Prince, Charlemagne, and a handful of other figures cluster around the steps below. Principle battles in which the Canadian Forces took a prominent part in are included on the inscription.
Born in Montreal on May 23, 1868, from a Irish origin family, John Patrick O'Shea began his working life as a glass polisher. Two of his brothers were plumbers, so he easily mastered lead shaping and welding. In 1896, he operated his business of glass import and distribution on Perrault lane near Craig street (today around St-Dominique and St-Antoine streets). In 1918, he welcomed stained glass artisan Henri Perdriau at his workshop and together they produced a very large number of works. The association lasted until 1923 after which O'Shea evolved alone.
The Church of the Ascension became surplus and was put up for sale in 1988. The City of Montreal acquired the building in 1992 to relocate the local public library and in 1993 the city restored the window.
