The Sanctuary Stained Glass

North wall stained glass

While entering the church through the west narthex you are aware of five magnificent stained glass windows topping the stonework of the north wall.  White plastic windows were replaced in 1985 with the explosive color of stained glass.  The windows were dedicated to 32 church members from an accumulated memorial fund of $22,425 as per correspondence by Dr. Douglas Wright. 

The opulent windows are in five sections, four of which represent Jesus' disciples.  The west window is for Mathew; its flowing water (from Mathew 29:19)

Dove detail in center north window

reflects his orders to go forth and baptize.  The second section, a crown, represents the young Apostle Mark.  The center window is the memorial to member Josephine Burgoon, the white dove symbolic of the Holy Spirit.  The fourth window is for the healing miracles in the book of Luke the physician, and the east window is for John, the star with the lamb representing Jesus, "The Lamb of God."

A quote from the church bulletin at the stained glass memorial service of January 19,1986 is self-explanatory.  "The design is the result of nearly three years of study

Detail of east peak glass

on behalf of the Memorial Committee members and others working in consultation with the artist, Walter W. Judson, of the Judson Studios in Los Angeles, California."  The Judson Studios, established by three brothers in 1897, is family-owned and presently run by their fifth generation.

The stained glass at the west wall peak was installed in 1970 for $2845.  The structural stained glass along the eaves and peak of the east wall replaced white plastic windows in 1969, three years before the church expansion of 1972.  I was unable to find another order or receipt for east wall windows during 1972.  It would have made sense to re-use the same windows in the reconstruction at their price of $3680 and I am guessing that is what happened. 

How fortunate we are to have such elegance of design and such profoundly beautiful windows to grace our services and house of worship.

~ Donna Roth

(Thank you, Norma Mack, for your patient help!)