By Church - First Presbyterian Church, Gainesville, FL - PowerPoint Presentation - REV. 11
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The document summarizes the stained glass windows at First Presbyterian Church in Gainesville, Georgia. It describes the 7 windows that depict biblical stories from the Old Testament, life of Jesus, and ongoing church. Each window is made up of individual panels containing symbols and images relating to the overarching story or theme of that window. A booklet providing more details on each image and its corresponding bible passage will soon be available.
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By Church - First Presbyterian Church, Gainesville, FL - PowerPoint Presentation - REV. 11
- 1. The Story of the Seven Windows 2 Part WOW Presentation: August 28 September 5 First Presbyterian Church Gainesville, Georgia www.fpcga.org
- 2. The Storyof the Seven Windows Building Architect: Harold Wagoner Stained Glass Windows: Willet Studios of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Constructed: 1975 Project Manager: Henry Lee Willet (President) Master Designer: Marguerite Gaudin
- 5. Faceted Stained Glass – Design/Build Process
- 6. 1. Artist’s life-size “cartoon” drawing
- 7. 2. Artist’s life-size cartoon with colors added
- 8. 3. Experts select the glass for construction
- 9. 4. Selected glass marked for cutting
- 10. 5. Craftsmen cut and shape glass
- 11. 6. Craftsmen lay glass pieces on cartoon
- 12. 7. Glass is placed on bed of sand & spaces filled with poured epoxy
- 13. 8. Excess epoxy scrapped away & glass cleaned
- 14. 5 Chancel Window 3 West Window 2 Old Testament Window 4 Ministry of Jesus Window 6 On-Going Church Window 7 On-Going Church Window 1 Creation Window
- 16. 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 1 Creation Window (From Creation to Abraham)
- 17. 3 The breath of life from God 2 Adam in the Garden 1 Garden of Eden Creation Window
- 20. 4 Angel with sword driving Adam & Eve from Paradise Creation Window
- 22. 6 The Tower of Babel 5 Noah’s Ark & Rainbow Creation Window
- 25. 9 An Angel of God 8 Abraham sacrificing his son Isaac 7 Brazier of flaming coals Creation Window
- 26. Artist’s drawing
- 27. 2 Old Testament Window 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
- 28. 1 Sun, moon with 12 stars (Jacob, Rachel & sons)
- 29. 2 Sheave of wheat (symbol of Joseph)
- 30. 3 Burning Bush (Moses talks with God)
- 32. 4 Artist’s drawing Passover Doorway
- 33. 5 God’s Tablets of Law given to Moses
- 35. 7 Six pointed star (symbol of David)
- 36. 8 Crown & Scrolls (symbol of Solomon)
- 37. 9 Tongs holding burning coal
- 39. 10 Artist’s drawing Shepherds Staff (Amos)
- 41. West Window 3 Virgin Mary & Child worshipped by shepherds 1 Fleur de lis
- 43. West Window 5 Flight of Holy Family to Egypt 4 Two doves in a basket 3 Three crowns of the Magi
- 47. West Window 7 Jesus helping Joseph in the carpenter shop 6 Boy Jesus seated in the Temple
- 50. West Window 10 Jesus’ temptation by the devil 9 Dove of the Holy Spirit 8 John baptizing Jesus in the River Jordan
- 51. Holy Spirit Dove “and the Holy Spirit descended like a dove and came to rest on Jesus” – Matthew 3:16
- 54. Chi Rho Symbol Formed by superimposing the first two capital letters “chi” (X) and “rho” (P) of the Greek word for Christ (XP)
- 55. 4 Ministry of Jesus Window 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
- 56. 1 Marriage symbol of two lamps (Jesus’ first miracle)
- 58. 2 Fishing Boat (Jesus calling Peter & Andrew to be fishers of men)
- 59. 3 Ancient seal ring (symbol of discipleship)
- 60. 4 Rayed chi rho (Sermon on the Mount)
- 62. 5 House built on rock (parable)
- 63. 6 House built on sand (parable)
- 64. 7 Story of Sower (parable)
- 65. 7 Artist’s Drawing Story of Sower (parable)
- 68. 8 The miracle of the 5 loaves and 2 fishes
- 69. 9 Chi rho flanked by Tablets & Scroll (Transfiguration)
- 70. 9 Artist’s Drawing Chi rho flanked by Tablets & Scroll (Transfiguration)
- 71. 10 Eye in moistened clay (miracle of the blind man)
- 72. 10 Artist’s drawing Eye in moistened clay (miracle of the blind man)
- 75. 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 5 Cancel Window (Passion and Resurrection)
- 76. Chancel Window 3 Jesus washing Peter’s feet 2 Jesus riding on a donkey 1
- 79. Chancel Window 5 Judas in background 4 Jesus seated at table blessing bread & wine
- 80. Artist’s drawing
- 81. Chancel Window 8 Cock that crowed when Peter denied his master 7 Jesus praying in agony 6 Peter, James & John sleeping
- 84. Chancel Window 11 Jesus on the cross flanked by the sun & moon 10 9 Jesus standing before Pilate
- 86. Chancel Window 13 Butterfly as symbol of life after death 12 Christ rising from tomb bearing the banner of victory
- 87. Artist’s drawing
- 88. 6 On-Going Church Window (after the Resurrection) 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
- 89. 1 Symbol of the Great Commission
- 90. 1 Artist’s drawing Symbol of the Great Commission
- 91. 2 Symbol of Holy Spirit Dove (Pentecost)
- 92. 2 Artist’s drawing Symbol of Holy Spirit Dove (Pentecost)
- 93. 3 Book with stones (Stephen)
- 94. 4 Sword & open book (Paul’s “sword of the spirit”)
- 95. 4 Artist’s drawing Sword & open book (Paul’s “sword of the spirit”)
- 96. 5 Candles burning on a stone altar (secret worship)
- 97. 6 Martyr’s palm & crown (persecutions)
- 98. 7 Triangle between two columns (first church council in 325)
- 100. 9 Heart pierced by arrows (Augustine)
- 101. 10 Pope’s Tiara (establishment of Roman Catholic Church)
- 102. 10 Artist’s drawing Pope’s Tiara (establishment of Roman Catholic Church)
- 103. 11 Crusader’s shield & cross
- 104. 12 Chartres cathedral (great age of cathedral building)
- 105. 12 Artist’s drawing Chartres cathedral (great age of cathedral building)
- 107. 13 Artist’s drawing Winged Cross & Birds (Francis of Assisi)
- 108. 7 On-Going Church Window (after the Reformation) 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
- 109. 1 Printing Press (mass circulation of the Bible)
- 110. 1 Artist’s drawing Printing Press (mass circulation of the Bible)
- 111. 2 Goose (hus) drinking from chalice (Jan Hus)
- 112. 2 Artist’s drawing Goose (hus) drinking from chalice (Jan Hus)
- 113. 3 Hand offering a heart (John Calvin)
- 114. 4 Scottish thistle (John Knox)
- 115. 5 Burning bush (symbol of Presbyterian Church)
- 116. 6 Circuit rider (spread of Christianity in the new world)
- 117. 7 Log college (founded by Tennant to train American clergy)
- 118. 7 Artist’s drawing Log college (founded by Tennant to train American clergy)
- 119. 8 Sailing ship (symbol of earthly voyage)
- 120. 9 Seal of the Presbyterian Church US
- 121. 9 Artist’s Drawing Seal of the Presbyterian Church US
- 122. 10 Beehive (symbol of an active congregation)
- 123. 11 Ship with chi rho mast & fish below (remora fish)
- 124. 12 Burning torch with hands outstretched (Social Gospel)
- 125. 13 Seal of the Salvation Army
- 126. 13 Artist’s Drawing Seal of the Salvation Army
- 127. 14 Seal of UNICEF
- 128. 15 Open book & candle (symbol of Theology)
- 129. 15 Artist’s Drawing Open book & candle (symbol of Theology)
- 130. 16 Two hemispheres united by the cross of Christ (Hope of the future)
- 131. 5 Chancel Window 3 West Window 2 Old Testament Window 4 Ministry of Jesus Window 6 On-Going Church Window 7 On-Going Church Window 1 Creation Window
- 132. New 20 page booklet will soon be available in color and will include a “Bible Reference Guide”
Editor's Notes
- The architect, Harold Wagoner and Henry Lee Willet worked together on many stained glass projects. In 1977, Willet Studios became a division of Willet Hauser Architectural Glass. Henry Lee Willet – worked with FPC stained glass window committee to develop the over all concept and theme for the windows (whole story of the Church from Creation of the World to the present time.) Marguerite Gaudin was responsible for translating the overall concept into the beautiful stained glass window designs and drawings that you will see this evening.
- Educated at Princeton and Wharton, Henry Lee Willet spent years researching in Europe before returning to the USA to take over from his father in 1930. He was responsible for expanding Willet from a regional to an international stained glass studio. Willet was one of the first US companies to design & fabricate faceted stained glass windows such as ours at FPC. He was a Past President of the Stained Glass Association & American Society of Church Architecture. He was a member of the National Presbyterian Church Board of Christian Education and was twice elected commissioner to the General Assembly. Henry Lee Willet oversaw FPC’s stained glass window project & attended the dedication of our windows in 1975 (yes, at age 75, he was the “old man” that people at the dedication ceremony remember.) He was fond of saying “I don’t think any building is complete without God’s sunlight coming through glass & color. Henry Lee Willet died in 1983 at the age of 83 and was succeeded by his son Crosby (now age 83).
- Marguerite Gaudin designed the stained glass windows of FPC. She was internationally famous as a stained glass designer for Willet Studios. She graduated in 1930 from the Philadelphia College of Arts. In 1931, she joined the Willet Stained Glass Studios and became the principal designer for the studio. She worked closely with Henry Lee Willet to develop his concepts into magnificent scale drawings in opaque and transparent color. During her 60 years at Willet Studios, she created stained glass windows for hundreds of churches throughout the world. Marguerite Gaudin died in 1991 at her home in Philadelphia.
- The windows of FPC are executed in one of the new FACETED techniques to complement the contemporary building style. Brilliantly colored glass – usually an inch thick – and up to two inches for special effects, is cut to the desired size and shape. The FACETED technique was first developed in France. In 1955, Willet Studios introduced faceted stained glass in North America in 1955 (first project was a church in Quebec Canada.) There are many steps to creating a faceted stained glass window which I will briefly review for you. I should add that Willet Studios also had a superb team of craftsmen that installed their windows.
- After the overall design theme has been developed, life-size drawings are developed – called a cartoon drawing. As we will see in a moment, these drawings are used as a template for marking and cutting to size and shape the various pieces of glass.
- The next step in the design process is to determine the colors to be used in each stained glass window. In our case, transparent drawings where developed using transparent ink colors. These transparent drawings (or paintings) were called “lumieres” . They enabled the artist to simulate the effect that light would look like filtered through colored glass. Today, the computer has replaced this “lumieres” process. Last week, we received digitized copy of the “lumieres” for our windows from Amy Pulliam (librarian at Willet Studios). I have incorporated many of these transparent drawing into this presentation.
- After the design work has been completed, an expert selects the glass to be used in the construction of each panel.
- The glass pieces that were selected are then marked for cutting using the life-size cartoon drawing.
- Craftsmen then use a variety of saws and hammers to cut and shape the glass. It is at this point that the inner surface of the glass is chipped or faceted to enhance the design and add a jewel like quality.
- After the craftsmen cut and shape each piece of glass, it is placed on the cartoon.
- The glass is then laid on top of a bed of sand – and the empty spaces of glass filled with a poured mixture of epoxy and sand . The windows are then made up of several panels stacked together. The panel size of our large vertical windows measure 40” wide by 29” high.
- After the epoxy is hardened, a craftsmen scrapes away any excess epoxy that may be on the glass and cleans the glass.
- Explain where each window is located in the sanctuary in relation to the entrance. 3 large vertical windows (shown in blue) contain figures & scenes. These windows are viewed from bottom to top. 4 horizontal ribbon windows (shown in magenta) contain mostly symbols of important events in the history of the Church. The ribbon windows are viewed from right to left. The 7 windows tell the whole story of the Church from the Creation of the world to the present time.
- The color palette of the windows is progressive – starting with the warm earth colors in the Creation Window toward the rich blues of the Chancel (Passion) window.
- Creation window contains 9 panels & tells the story of Creation to Abraham. Because this vertical window is directly over the entrance to the sanctuary – it is the shortest of the three vertical windows. We will begin our journey by starting at the bottom panel and proceeding upwards.
- In the first three panels from the bottom is seen the hand of God. A ray extends down to Adam the breath of life. In the background are sun, moon and stars, birds in the sky, fish in the water, mountains plants, and animals. Can any everyone see the fish?
- The fourth panel shows an angel with a flaming sword driving Adam and Eve from Paradise. To the right, the serpent of evil crawls along the ground from the “apple” tree.
- The sweeping lines above the angel in the fourth panel contain Noah’s Ark to which the dove returns with an olive branch. The rainbow, symbol of God’s covenant with human kind, arches above. The next panel is the tower of Babel. “So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of the earth, and they left off building the city. Therefore it was called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth; and from there the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth. – Genesis 11: 8-9
- The actual Rainbow referenced in the Bible has 7 colors from the top down and depicts the 7 sacraments (The seventh sacrament being the sign of the Covenant): Red Orange Yellow Green Blue Indigo Violet Dove and olive branch
- The top three panels are a scene of Abraham about to sacrifice Isaac in accordance to what he thought was God’s will. An angel calls to him to stop. The brazier of flaming coals is ready to light the sacrificial fire. “By myself I have sworn, says the Lord: because you have done this, and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will indeed bless you, and I will make your offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. – Genesis 22: 16-17”
- This horizontal ribbon window, containing symbols of the Old Testament, connects the vertical Creation and West windows. The Old Testament Window contains 10 symbols – each symbol depicting an important story of the Old Testament.
- The Old Testament Window begins with God’s promise to Abraham. (1) To the right is seen in a circle, a sun and moon encircled with twelve stars. These are Jacob, Rachel, Leah and his 12 sons who are the founders of the twelve tribes of Israel.
- (2) Joseph is symbolized by a sheaf of wheat standing upright while those of his brothers bow down. This refers to the prophetic dream he had (“There we were, binding sheaves in the field. Suddenly, my sheave rose and stood upright; then your sheaves gathered around it, and bowed down to my sheave.) – the sort of dream that infuriated his brothers into selling him into slavery in Egypt.
- (3) Next is the burning bush where Moses talks with God. Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro and led the flock to the mountain of God – there an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of a bush. There, the Lord tells Moses that he has observed the misery of His people in Egypt and informs Moses that he will bring the Israelites out of Egypt.
- (4) To the right is a doorway with the blood of a lamb on the lintel and jambs which is the symbol of the Passover. The doors of the Jews were marked thus so the angel of death would pass them by and kill only the Egyptian’s children in the last and most terrible plague. As a result, Pharaoh allowed them to leave Egypt and begin the long journey toward the Promised Land.
- (5) Next are the two Tablets of the Law (covenant) written with the finger of God which God gave to Moses on Mount Sinai.
- 6) The seven-branched candlestick (Menorah) symbolizes the worship of God and the artifacts described in Exodus 25 and the following chapters to enhance that worship.
- (7) The six-pointed star is a symbol for David The “Star of David”, is known in Hebrew as the “Shield of David.” Use began in 11 century as a title of the God of Israel. Attributed to David, in which God is compared to a shield (Psalm 18 (v. 31; v.36)
- (8) The crown and scrolls are a symbol for his son, Solomon, the wise king. Solomon’s Kingdom was the greatest kingdom ever known – its influence was very broad. Solomon did not conquer through military strength but through his great wisdom which God put into his heart (2 Chronicles 1:11) It is believed that the scrolls not only meant God’s prophesy for his people but also justice. It is also believed that Solomon’s crown is based on the design of the “pomegranate” which in Hebrew means “to rise up.” Pomegranate also has 12 sections symbolizing the 12 tribes on Israel.
- (9) Next are the tongs holding the burning coal from the alter of sacrifice with which the seraph sealed Isaiah’s lips, enabling him to prophesy. (Isaiah 6: 1-8) Unclean lips – touched Isaiah’s lips – guilt departed and sin blotted out “Here I am Lord, send me”
- (10) The shepherd’s staff here belongs to Amos who was a shepherd and vine dresser and has been called the prophet most like Jesus.
- The West Window is directly opposite the choir loft. Contains 10 panels that tell the story from the Birth of Jesus to His baptism in the River Jordan by John the Baptist.
- (1) At the very bottom is a fleur de lis, the stylized lily which is the symbol for the purity of the Virgin and hence for the Annunciation. Archangel Gabriel, who announced to Mary that she would conceive the son of God, is often depicted holding a Lily branch. In Biblical times “Lilies” was a collective term for all flowers that came forth from a womb like tuber – hence “Blessed is the fruit of thy womb!” (2) The first scene in this window is the Virgin Mary and her child worshipped by shepherds who appear silhouetted above and to the right.
- As your eye travels upward, you see the three crowns of the Magi Above the crowns are Two Doves in a Basket, the offering Joseph and Mary made when the Christ child was presented to the temple. Panel 5 shows the Holy Family on the flight to Egypt to escape Herod’s soldiers.
- Midway up the window, we can see the young Jesus seated in the temple in the midst of the doctors and sages, both hearing them and asking questions. Above panel six, we see Jesus helping Joseph, his father, by laboring with him in the carpenter’s shop.
- In panel 8, we see John Baptizing Jesus in the River Jordan and the dove of the Holy Spirit, descending as a voice, is heard to exclaim “Thou art my beloved son.” According to Matthew 3: 16, during the Baptism of Jesus the Holy Spirit descended like a dove and came to rest on Jesus. For this reason, the dove became a symbol of the Holy Spirit. We will see the Holy Spirit Dove depicted in many of the windows The vignette at the top of the window is Chi Rho (XP), the sacred monogram for Jesus Christ, on a mountain peak with the kingdoms of the world spread before him. This is the symbol of His Temptation by the devil, who offered Him a temporal kingdom.
- We will see the Holy Spirit Dove depicted in many of the windows
- Note that John is depicted “pouring” (not sprinkling) water on the head of Jesus.
- This a close-up of the vignette at the top of the window is Chi Rho (XP), the sacred monogram for Jesus Christ, on a mountain peak with the kingdoms of the world spread before him. This is the symbol of His Temptation by the devil, who offered Him a temporal kingdom
- Although not technically a Christian Cross, the Chi Rho invokes the crucifixion of Jesus, as well as symbolizing his status as the Christ. The Monogrammatic Cross composed of a (T) and (P) (Tau-Rho) was later seen as a variation of the Chi-Rho symbol. The (T) was considered a symbol of salvation. A wreath around the Chi-Rho symbolizes the victory of the Resurrection over Death.
- The Ministry of Jesus Window ribbon window connects the large vertical West and Chancel Windows. Contains 10 symbols that tell the story of Jesus’ ministry.
- In the first window, is seen the first miracle of Jesus’ ministry, turning the water into wine at the marriage feast of Cana. This is symbolized by (six) jars and the marriage symbol – two lamps with entwined rings protected by a cross which shows two individuals joined into one household under the protection of Christ.
- Six jars
- (2) A fishing boat symbolizes Jesus calling Peter and Andrew to be “fishers of men.” In the same passage of the Bible, James is also called by Jesus to be a “fisher of men”.
- (3) The next symbol also refers to discipleship and permanent commitment. The symbol is derived from an ancient seal ring - a basket containing a fish flanked by two other fish who draw near to enter. We have asked Willet Studios to send us a graphic clarification of this symbol.
- (4) To the right, the rayed Chi Rho on a mountain representing the Sermon on the Mount.
- In the next two scenes, Jesus’ teaching through parables is exemplified by two houses: (5) one on a rock remaining firm (6) The other on sand washing away
- and (6) the other house built on sand shown washing away in a storm.
- (7) The next parable is the story of the Sower who scatters some seed on good soil, and some on the rocks where the birds devour it. Since the graphic for this symbol was hard to interpret – we asked Willet to help us better interpret this symbol. Look at two examples they sent to help us Interpret this symbol: Green-ray like image is the grain being thrown on the ground. The golden colored glass reflects the good earth and the grey colored glass that of the bad earth (the stones and thorns)
- This ribbon window concludes with three miracles. (8) In panel 8, the first miracle shows – the five loaves and two fish which Jesus multiplied to feed the crowd of five thousand.
- 9) Next miracle is the Transfiguration which is shown by the Chi Rho flanked by Moses’ Tablets of the Law and Elijah’s scrolls of prophecy. This is the story where Jesus takes Peter, James and John to a high mountain and Jesus was Transfigured before them – and Moses and Elijah appeared. The voice of God is heard to say – “This is my Son the Beloved” Clarify that the Tablets are not a figure of a man.
- (10) Jesus healing the blind man is shown by the pile of moistened clay with which the eye was anointed and the eye restored. Review Willet’s clarification on this graphic It seems like a pointed finger is represented above the clay mound – perhaps having just swiped through it
- The Chancel Window (also called the Passion Window) is located directly behind the pulpit and contain 13 panel. The Chancel Window tells the story from Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem to His Crucifixion and Resurrection.
- Holy Week begins with Jesus’ triumphal entry into the gate of Jerusalem, riding on a donkey, hailed as a king by a crowd waving palm branches. Donkey seen a symbol of peace – as apposed to a horse as symbol of war Next in silhouette, Jesus is seen washing Peter’s feet. “For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you – servants are not greater than their masters.”
- I happen to believe that this scene of Jesus washing Peter’s feet was strategically located to be behind the speaker in the pulpit – and clearlry seen by all – including our video cameras!
- The upper scene shows Jesus at the head of an oval table blessing the bread and wine. In the background, Judas steals away from the others with a bag of money. Clarify the misinterpretation of the graphic (baby in diapers)
- After they had eaten Jesus went to the Mount of Olives with Peter, James and John to pray. While Peter, James, and John sleep, Jesus prays in agony, “O my Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me – nevertheless not as I will but as thy wilt.” Matthew 26:39. Next is the cock that crowed when Peter denied his master.
- Note the symbol of a “cup” in the upper left corner of this panel. “O my Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me – nevertheless not as I will but as thy wilt.” Matthew 26:39.
- Note the moon above cock that crowed.
- In panel 9, we see Jesus standing before Pilate who is washing his hands of the blood of this just man. In panels 10 and 11, the story continues with Christ on the cross flanked by the sun and moon, with a face which darkened at noon on the day of the Crucifixion, and the moon is also dark, because she derives her light from the sun.
- At the apex of the window, Jesus Christ rises from the empty tomb bearing aloft the banner of the victory of life over sin and death. The Butterfly is a symbol of life after death, not only of Christ but of all people. The caterpillar is like life on earth, the sleep in the cocoon is like the grace from which the butterfly emerges to fly up to heaven on beautiful wings. The Butterfly as a symbol of Life after Death – is an early church symbol likening the caterpillar’s encasement in a cocoon to Jesus’ burial in a tomb – and the emergence of a Butterfly from a cocoon to the resurrection of Jesus and rolling back of the stone of his tomb.
- There are two On-going Church Windows located on each side of the choir loft – this On-going window is to the left of the pulpit. This ribbon window contains 13 symbols of events that occurred after Jesus ‘ Resurrection.
- This ribbon window begins on the right with a composite symbol made up of the world, the escallop shell of baptism from which descends three drops of water, a cross, a pilgrim’s staff, and a wallet. This represents the Great Commission when Jesus, after His resurrection, commanded His disciples “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel……baptizing in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Ghost.” World – all the world Escallop Shell – symbol of Baptism Cross – Resurrection of Jesus Pilgrim’s staff – perseverance Wallet - permanence
- (2) Next the Holy Spirit Dove (the symbol of which is derived from the account of Jesus’ baptism) descends upon the faithful gathered in the upper room to celebrate the feast of Pentecost. The flames lighted up each countenance (face). Reference from West Window - According to Matthew 3: 16, during the Baptism of Jesus the Holy Spirit descended like a dove and came to rest on Jesus. For this reason, the dove became a symbol of the Holy Spirit.
- (3) A book with stones on it is the attribute for Stephen, the first Christian martyr who was stoned and who died forgiving his murderers.
- (4) The sword and open book are Paul’s “sword of the spirit.” Believe that this symbol of a book is part of Presbyterian Seal.
- (5) To the right, candles burning on a stone altar under an arched roof symbolize the early Christians worshipping in secret in the Catacombs.
- (6) Next the martyr’s palm and crown symbolizes the persecutions.
- (7) The triangle between two columns symbolizes the establishment of the church by Constantine who called the first Church council at Nicea in 325. There, (A-than-asius) defended the doctrine of the triune God, against the superior numbers who accepted the Arian heresy. At age 27, (A-than-asius) led the fight against the Arian position that Jesus of Nazareth is of a distinct substance from the Father. He led the conflict against the Arians for the rest of his life.
- Saint (A-than-asius) is counted as one of the four great Doctors of the church in the Roman Catholic Church. Two other great doctors of the church are Saint Jerome and Saint Augustine. (8) In this panel, Saint Jerome, is symbolized by a cardinal’s Hat Jerome was a Theologian and Historian and is best known for translating the Bible into Latin in the 4th century.
- (9) Saint Augustine, whose repentance for the sins of his youth is symbolized by a heart pierced by arrows. Born in 354, Augustine was a Latin Philosopher and Theologian from the African providence of the Roman Empire. He believed that the Grace of Christ was indispensable to Human Freedom. Calvin considered Augustine to be one of the father’s of the Protestant Reformation.
- (10) A Pope’s Tiara shows the establishment of the Roman Catholic Church.
- (11) The shield with a cross (St. Georges) on it represents the time of the crusades.
- (12) The great age of cathedral building is shown by a silhouette of Chartres cathedral. The French medieval Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres is located in Chartres – about 50 miles southeast of Paris. Constructed from 1193 -1250, it is considered one of the finest examples of French High Gothic style.
- Reference to the great Cathedrals built in France and Italy. – Notre Dame and St. Peters. This symbol reminds me of time when Margaret and I lived in Milan Italy – the home of the great cathedral called the “Duomo” which took 7 centuries to build.
- (13) The age of (mon-asti-cism) is best typified by Francis of Assisi. His symbol is a winged cross referring to his experiencing the stigmata, surrounded by the birds he calls his brothers and sisters. Stigmata – marks of Jesus – referring to the marks left by the Crucifixion.
- This is the second On-going ribbon window located to right of the sanctuary entrance. This ribbon window contain 16 symbols of events that occurred after the Reformation. Unfortunately, the first 2 panels on the right cannot be seen because of the organ renovation.
- We also view the panels of this On-going window from right to left. Although the new organ covers this window, we do have a previous photo and the artist’s original drawing of this window This window denotes the Reformation period (1) beginning with the printing press because circulating the Bible in languages that people could read for themselves signaled a new philosophical spirit. This is followed by symbols of some of the Reformation leaders. First (Gutenberg) Bible printed in Germany around 1454.
- Although the new organ covers this window, we do have a previous photo and the artist’s original drawing of this window 2) A goose drinking from the chalice represents Jan Hus (Hus means goose in German) who restored the communion in both kinds to the people. Jan Hus was a Czech, and was a priest, philosopher and reformer. Considered the first Church reformer living prior to Luther and Calvin. In 1415, Hus was burned at the stake for heresy against the doctrines of the Catholic Church.
- (3) John Calvin’s seal is a hand offering a heart. “Calvin was French and was a lawyer, a linguist and a theologian, and this had a major impact on the way he expressed himself. He appealed to the mind of each listener. But he also emphasized the role of the heart in faith and in faithful action. His personal seal showed a heart held in an outstretched hand – his outstretched hand – a symbol demonstrating his desire to offer his heart in God’s service. Calvin’s motto reads – “My heart I offer you, O Lord, promptly and sincerely.”
- (4) Knox is represented by the Scottish thistle. It was said that Know was a “thorn” to many a person! – Thus the symbol of a Thistle.
- (5) The burning bush is the symbol for the Presbyterian Church.
- (6) The spread of Christianity in the new world is shown by a circuit rider on horseback.
- (7) The log cabin college, which was founded by Tennant to train American clergy, becomes Princeton University. Note – Tennant is an ancestor to our own Tennant Slack
- (8) The sailing ship represents the earthly voyage of God’s Faithful (with Jesus as our Compass) to the Eternal Shore.
- (9) Next is the seal of the Presbyterian Church in the United States. Embedded in the Seal is a burning bush and an oil lamp which is a symbol for enlightenment and ………………………………..
- (10) The beehive with lively bees, symbolizes the active congregation.
- 11) Next is a ship with a CHI RHO for a mast and a fish below. This is the remora afloat throughout the storms of dissension.
- (12) A burning torch with hands out stretched has been used to symbolize the Social Gospel, which is further exemplified by the seals of the Salvation Army (13) and UNICEF (14).
- (13) Seals of the Salvation Army.
- The words “The Salvation Army” could not ne incorporated into our stained glass window because of copyright I infringement issues.
- (14) Seal of UNICEF
- (15) Theology is shown by an open book and candle.
- (16) The hope of the future shows both hemispheres united by the cross of Christ accompanied by the olive branch of peace.