In Memory of Sarah J. Roberts
Known as the Roberts Window, this mid-19th-century stained-glass window commemorates Sarah J. Hatch Roberts (May 26, 1816–October 29, 1863), the beloved wife of longtime Trinity leader Ansel Roberts. Originally installed in Old Trinity Church, the window was later moved to Trinity Cathedral's chapel, where it has remained a cherished part of the cathedral’s history.
Dedicated to the virtue of charity, the window bears the inscription "In Memoriam, Sarah J. Roberts" and illustrates Christ’s words from Matthew 25:35–36: "Hungry and Ye Fed Me" and "Naked and Ye Clothed Me." The two scenes depict women caring for those in need, reflecting the Christian call to compassion, generosity, and service.
Although little is known about Sarah herself, the themes chosen for her memorial suggest that charity and compassion were among the qualities her family wished to honor. Sarah married Ansel Roberts in 1836 at St. Luke’s Church near Rochester, New York. The couple later settled in Cleveland on St. Clair Street, where they raised their daughter, Sarah Louisa Roberts Sterling.
Following Sarah’s death in 1863, Ansel Roberts continued his dedicated service to Trinity. A vestry member, junior warden, and senior warden for twenty-six years, he played a leading role in the life of the parish, including overseeing the construction of Old Trinity Church, built in 1855 at East 6th Street and Superior Avenue. Beyond the church, he was an influential figure in Cleveland’s civic life. A successful businessman, he served on the Cleveland Board of Education, Cleveland City Council, and as Cuyahoga County Auditor. He also held leadership positions with the city’s Sanitary Board, Ohio National Bank, the Cleveland Society for Savings, and the Cleveland Paper Company. Throughout his career, he was respected for his integrity, public service, and commitment to the growing city.
Sarah and Ansel Roberts are buried together in Woodland Cemetery in Cleveland, alongside Sarah’s mother, Abigail Hatch. Though the designer of the window is unknown, this memorial remains a lasting tribute to Sarah Roberts and to the enduring Christian virtue of charity.
In Memory of Clarinda Shelley
The Shelley Window commemorates Clarinda Russell Shelley (June 7, 1820–August 27, 1877), a woman remembered for her deep faith, generosity, and lifelong commitment to serving others. Originally installed in Old Trinity Church, the window was later moved to the chapel of Trinity Cathedral, where it continues to honor her legacy.
Dedicated to the virtue of faith, the window bears the inscription "In Memory of Clarinda Shelley" and the words from Galatians 5:22–23: "The Fruit of the Spirit is Faith" and "The Fruit of the Spirit is Gentleness." Two women are depicted embodying these virtues, reminding us that a life rooted in faith is expressed through humility, compassion, and loving service to others.
Clarinda Shelley devoted much of her life to charitable work in Cleveland. She helped found the Diet Dispensary, an organization that prepared and provided nourishing meals for the sick, with its first informal meeting held in her Prospect Street home. She also served on the boards of Lakeside Hospital and the Church Home for Aged Women. Active in the Ladies’ Aid Society, she helped support its transformation into the Soldiers’ Aid Society of Northern Ohio during the Civil War. Those who knew her remembered her as a woman of tireless compassion whose “Christian womanhood” touched everyone she served.
Following her death in 1877, numerous civic and charitable organizations paid tribute to her life. One memorial described her as “full of good works and alms deeds,” recalling that “in her ready sympathy and self-forgetfulness, she was eminently qualified to be the handmaid of charity.” Another honored her as “a true and valued friend,” praising her years of faithful service to Cleveland’s hospitals and benevolent institutions.
Clarinda’s husband, John Shelley, was likewise a devoted leader at Trinity Church, serving for more than four decades, including seven years as junior warden. Alongside Ansel Roberts, he helped oversee the construction of Old Trinity Church and remained an influential lay leader throughout his life.
Although the designer of the window is unknown, its message of faith and gentleness beautifully reflects Clarinda Shelley’s life. More than a century after it was created, the window continues to honor a woman whose quiet acts of charity left a lasting mark on Trinity and the Cleveland community.
Preserving Trinity's Stained Glass Legacy
Historic stained glass requires specialized care to preserve its beauty, craftsmanship, and structural integrity for future generations. Through the skilled work of Whitney Stained Glass Studio, these treasured windows are being carefully restored so they can continue to inspire worshippers and visitors for years to come.
Their restoration is part of Trinity Cathedral’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding one of Cleveland’s most significant collections of historic stained glass. You can help preserve these remarkable treasures by making a gift to Trinity’s Honoring Our Legacy, Growing in Love Capital Campaign, which supports the restoration and care of Trinity’s historic stained-glass windows for generations to come.