33
THE MEMORIAL WINDOWS of Faceted Glass THE MEMORIAL WINDOWS of Faceted Glass

Celebration windows

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: Celebration windows

THE MEMORIAL WINDOWS

of Faceted Glass

THE MEMORIAL WINDOWS

of Faceted Glass

Page 2: Celebration windows

Throughout the 1970’s, faceted glass windows were installed and dedicated in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church of Anaheim. Church leaders decided these windows should be designed in a contemporary style of the day, believing the artistic expression conveyed by the windows would speak to future generations.

From our early Twenty-first Century vantage, we can truly sense that the divine inspiration of God guided this previous generation of leaders in the choices they made, both in design concept and in selection of the man they trusted to bring their vision to reality – artist/craftsman, Jos Maes.

Enjoy reading the story and descriptions of our beautiful faceted glass windows as drawn from the booklet “Memorial Windows” printed in 1978.

THE MEMORIAL WINDOWS

of Faceted Glass

THE MEMORIAL WINDOWS

of Faceted Glass

Page 3: Celebration windows

1

THE MEMORIAL WINDOWSof Faceted Glass

Art is an expression of the creative forces which lie in the spirit, and much of its importance lies in what it has to say to us. However, even though some may not understand the message, they can feel the pleasure of its beauty. There is no doubt that things beautiful are a blessing of God, and even the most somber existence can be brightened by the small glad touch of something beautiful.

Religious art is one of the highest forms of artistic expression, and as a church family, we see these magnificent windows as an expression of our delight in God’s work. They are animated by their brilliance of color, the sweep and flow of design, and the messages they carry, which make them more than they are. They help to interpret the teaching of all God’s creation to those who view them. Together they reveal a chronological history of events from the time of creation to the victory of Christ’s love and the story of His kingdom.

The windows are made of faceted glass, rich and pure of color, and varying in thickness up to one inch. Designed and made by artist Jos Maes, they possess a vitality and prismatic-like brilliance due to the chipping and chiseling (or “Faceting”) of the inner surface of the pieces of glass, a process which helps to magnify light. Unlike traditional stained glass windows, found in early churches and cathedrals, in which shapes of glass were leaded together, the faceted glass has been set in a matrix of epoxy and resin. Once dried, a structural unit of great strength and durability has been formed, and no maintenance is required.

Page 4: Celebration windows

2

THE MEMORIAL WINDOWSof Faceted Glass

The Aesthetics Committee selected the contemporary style of window because they felt this form of art would speak to future generations through the artistic expressions of our day. A touch of tradition is provided through the use of familiar Christian symbols which are seen in the windows.

Our sanctuary, while reflecting Gothic styling, is Neo-Gothic in architecture. It is “new Gothic” or Gothic which is modified and simplified to reflect the architecture of this age. Gothic is a style of building which was developed during the Middle Ages. It expressed a growing love of beauty which flowered during the Renaissance, and also reflected a shift in religious feeling when, during this period, religion became a thing of the people. Emphasis in Gothic architecture is on the perpendicular with lofty towers, and spires, and pointed arches and vaulting. In this sanctuary a pleasing rhythmical pattern is formed by the pointed arches of doorways and aisles which are repeated in the narrow perpendicular windows, all reaching upward. However, the shape of the windows presented a challenge to the artist; the restricted width made it necessary to plan the design with movement in an up-and-downward direction.

The nave windows, on the east, represent stories of symbolic significance from the Old Testament, and those on the west convey messages from the New Testament. The monochromatic effects of each window overlap to create a spectrum of color, ranging from the darker (purple and blue) tones near the rear to the lighter, warm amber tones nearer the front of the sanctuary.

Page 5: Celebration windows

3

THE MEMORIAL WINDOWSof Faceted Glass

Aside from the specific symbolic references of each window, windows in general may be said to symbolize the Christian life. As windows glow and become alive and beautiful when sunlight pours through them, so human life and relationships with others can become rich and radiant when illuminated by the light of Christ’s love shining through.

We are indeed fortunate to have commissioned the talents of Jos Maes, an artist of excellence and integrity, who designed and made each of the memorial windows. With his understanding of our ideas, he has developed these magnificent works of art, which will be enjoyed for generations to come, and with skillful, creative hands has been able to articulate the thoughts which we wished to convey.

Although the mind’s eye of each beholder may modify the interpretation of what is seen in each window, none can fail to feel their enthusiasm and beauty.

We wish to express heartfelt appreciation for the interest, the love, and the sharing of gifts which have made possible the installation of these beautiful windows.

It is with joy that we recall the glad times and special experiences shared with those loved ones in whose names these gifts are given. It is in a spirit of Thanksgiving that we dedicate these windows to the Glory of God, our Father and Creator.

Page 6: Celebration windows

THE TRINITY WINDOWS

Page 7: Celebration windows

THE TRINITY WINDOWS

Together these windows form a unity of descending and sweeping rays, uniting the three into one, symbolic of the three persons in one Godhead. A common curve forms the curvature of the earth, symbolizing the subservience of Man to the sovereignty of God. Below this curvature is seen the earthly city of Jerusalem, only a reflection of the heavenly city above. The deepest blues nearest the bottom of the windows denote darkness and confusion without the sacrifice of Christ. The bright yellows and whites express God’s wondrous nature, His holiness and love.

Page 8: Celebration windows

GOD, THE FATHER[Dedicated to Henry L. Martin - October 18, 1970]

God, the Father is symbolized by the massive, providential hand, thrusting itself in a protective manner above the world. The window is a gift of family and friends.

Page 9: Celebration windows

CHRIST, THE LAMB[Dedicated to the Kingdom of God – October 18, 1970]

“Behold the Lamb of god, which taketh away the sin of the world.”

John 1:29

We see the lamb standing; near his head, a cross (in red) representing the triumphant, risen Christ. The window is a gift of Mr. and Mrs. John C. Knutzen and family.

Page 10: Celebration windows

THE HOLY SPIRIT[Dedicated to Mr. and Mrs. Bernhard Schlosser - October 18, 1970]

Descending in the vague form of a dove, with his back slightly arched, and his almond shaped head surrounded by a nimbus, pointing downward, we see the symbol of the Holy Spirit. The broad circle surrounding the dove suggests not only the wings of the spirit, but the world encompassed by Spirit-filled influences.

This window was given in loving memory of their parents by Bernadine Ross, Idaline Miner and Marguerite Phelps.

Page 11: Celebration windows

BAPTISMRose Window - East Transept

Dedicated to Rachel Beeman; a tr ibute from her church fami ly.

The multicolor figures are representative of people coming from all directions to be baptised and accepted into God’s kingdom. The upper portion of the window vaguely reveals the overall form of the loving Christ.

The sacrament of Holy Baptism is symbolic of God’s reception of the baptised as His own, a sign of entrance into the family of God.

The blue rivulets of water seen in the lower portion of the window and the overlay of large droplets remind us that baptism may be accomplished by immersion or by sprinkling, and cause us to recall the early days of the church when Christ’s followers were baptised by immersion in nearby lakes and rivers.

Page 12: Celebration windows

COMMUNIONRose Window - West Transept

The figures portray the fellowship of the body of Christ, the communion of the faithful everywhere, for which the Lord’s Supper offers continued spiritual nourishment. Overall, in a loving and protective posture, is seen the figure of Christ.

The most important symbol for the sacrament of Holy Communion is the chalice, seen in the left portion of this window. Similar to the actual cup used by Jesus, the symbol of the chalice remains as a beautiful and blessed reminder of the cup which our Lord took and blessed at the Last Supper. In the center are portrayed sprays of wheat to indicate the Bread of Life, and the bread which is used in Holy Communion, and prominent are the grapes in lavender and purple hues, significant of the communion between Jesus Christ and the believers.

“This do in remembrance of Me.”

Page 13: Celebration windows

THE CENTENNIAL WIDOWSouth Rose Window

Looking upward to the Centennial window with its bold explosion of color, the worshiper leaves the sanctuary with a reminder of the expulsive force of God’s spirit, eager to move forth in Christian love and service.

Dedicated on July 25, 1971 to the memory of Christians of Anaheim past. Members and friends of this church were invited to participate in the purchase of the Centennial Window in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the church, and the first worship service when nine members met together to celebrate the Sabbath in March, 1870.

The beautifully faceted window is resplendent with color, emanating rays of enlightenment from the nucleus of Scripture, the authoritative Word of God, clearly outlined within the center to guide the lives of all ages through the spirit of Jesus Christ. With the Gospel as the foundation, the power of the Holy Spirit permeates the darkened areas of existence to reach out and surround the form of the world which is seen in the upper left area of the window. This is the encouraging reminder of Christ’s promise, “The Kingdoms of the World shall become the Kingdoms of our God and of His Christ”.

Page 14: Celebration windows

THE SHIP[Dedicated to Theodore “Ted” Donaldson – January 29th, 1978]

In early days, symbolically speaking, the church was the ship or the ark of the Lord, a ship in which Christians sailed the “sea of life” unharmed. Opposed or tossed about by stormy waves of persecution, heresy and many perils, yet it reached its destination.

The traditional type of church building, with the long, high narrow design such as ours can be seen to resemble a ship. The word, “nave”, itself is derived from the Latin word “navis”, which means ship.

This beautiful window was selected by Betty and Ted Donaldson as their gift to the church a few months before Ted’s sudden death in May 1976. He had served as a deacon from 1973 to 1076, carrying the duties of Head Usher for a long period of time. He was a member of the Worship Committee, and was ordained as an Elder in January 1976.

Page 15: Celebration windows

THE EAGLE[Dedicated to the Glory of God – January 29th, 1978]

The eagle, a symbol of divinity is displayed in the second window, the gift of James Heidecke. It is a reminder of a favorite passage of scripture: “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31).

The winged eagle is frequently seen as a carving on front of pulpits, a commonly used emblem of St. John, the Apostle, author of the fourth gospel. It was also a symbolic reminder of our nation’s bicentennial year.

Page 16: Celebration windows

THE BROTHERHOOD OF MAN[Dedicated to the Glory of God – January 29th, 1978]

The three embracing figures of varying hues symbolize the universal brotherhood of man, united through Christ.

This window, the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Middleton (“Tex” and Mary) beautifully illustrates the words of Christ as related in John 17:21, “That they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us”....

Page 17: Celebration windows

THE VINE AND BRANCHES[Dedicated to the Glory of God – January 29th, 1978]

Jesus said: “I am the vine, you are the branches; he that abideth in me bringeth forth much fruit; without me, you can do nothing”. (John 15:5)

We are reminded of the communion between Jesus Christ and the believers as we look at this lovely window, a gift from George and Winifred Muller.

Page 18: Celebration windows

THE BUTTERFLY[Dedicated to Evelyn (Mrs. Leo) Sheridan – January 29th, 1978]

A symbol of the resurrection and the eternal life, because it emerges from the cocoon with a glorified body able to soar into the sky, the butterfly also reminds us that we are born to a new life through Jesus Christ.

This window is a loving memorial from the family of Evelyn Sheridan who passed away August 13, 1974.

Page 19: Celebration windows

THE ANCHOR CROSS[Dedicated to Leo A. Pauly – January 29th, 1978]

When the top part of an anchor is in the shape of a cross, it is called an Anchor Cross, a symbol of Jesus Christ, our sure anchor, carried over from the days of Christian persecution before Constantine. These early Christians were able to see the anchor as a symbol of sure and steadfast hope and salvation, while non-Christians saw nothing but an anchor.

Like the fish symbol, its use was intended to conceal its true significance from spies and informers. Viewing this window causes us to feel a thankfulness for the early saints who persisted in their faith in spite of persecution.

It is a memorial gift from the family and friends of Leo A. Pauly, father of George Pauly.

Page 20: Celebration windows

THE CROSS AND CROWN[Dedicated to Lewis Marion Pickel – January 29th, 1978]

“...be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” (Rev. 2:10) Triumph over death which is promised to those who are faithful, is symbolized by the familiar design of the cross and crown.

The window, a gift of family and friends, is a loving memorial to Lewis Marion Pickel, who, at the time of his death in December 1973, had served as an Elder at First Church for almost 25 years.

Page 21: Celebration windows

THE CANDLE[Dedicated to Frank and Eda Tschann – January 29th, 1978]

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world; he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

This beautiful window with its brilliant candle glow helps us to call to mind these assuring words of scripture.

Elder Gordon Jones and his wife, Jeanne, have given this window in loving memory of her parents.

Page 22: Celebration windows

Small Window, West Transept[Dedicated to Susan Talevich – January 29 th, 1978]

“Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary . . . Praise Him with the timbrel and dance: Praise him with stringed instruments and organs.”

The people of the church have learned to express their deepest feelings and religious sentiments through sacred music. The mighty pipe organ symbolizes joy and music, and has been called the “king of instruments”.

It seems most fitting that this window depicting the pipe organ, should honor Susan Talevich, who has served faithfully as church organist since December 1945. It is the gift of her church family.

Page 23: Celebration windows

THE CREATION[Dedicated to Abbott Hatch – January 29, 1978]

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” . . . Genesis 1:1

The warm amber tones seem to proclaim God’s words: “Let there be light!”, and we see the forms of sun moon and stars. In the lowest area of the window is the Tower of Babel, symbolic of man’s efforts to act as God’s equal, and the flaming sword, indicating the Fall of Man. The two figures, denoting Adam and Eve, are surrounded by many elements designating Paradise, these elements arranged in the form of a tree. The foliage and fruit are recognized as the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.

This window is a loving tribute from the family and friends of Abbott Hatch, who died November 16, 1976. Abbott had served as a deacon prior to his ordination as an Elder in 1971.

Nave Window - East

Page 24: Celebration windows

THE COVENANT[Dedicated to Mrs. Flora V. Ward – June 27, 1971]

“Now the Lord said to Abraham ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing’ ”.

Genesis 12:1

God’s plan for triumph began with a Covenant, symbolically revealed to us in this window. In brilliant reds we see the flames that lick and swirl from the lower portion, a reminder of the burning bush that signifies Moses’ encounter with the Almighty. Looking upward, we see the figure of Abraham with a coal burner (gray smoke) offering his son, Isaac, as a sacrifice. From the darkness beam many stars, one of which shines most brightly, the dream of Abraham, in which he saw the multitude of stars, the one larger and most brilliant, designating the Messiah. Uppermost is the rainbow, in remembrance of God’s promise to Noah, and a symbol of God’s promise to all persons in every stage of human development.

Nave Window - East

Page 25: Celebration windows

THE LAW[Dedicated to The Glory of God – January 29, 1978]

“And the Lord came down upon Mount Sinai, on top of the mount: and the Lord called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up” . . .

Exodus 19:20

It is fitting that the story of the Law should be related to us in the verdant greens of grassy hillsides and mountains, for it was to a mountain top that Moses was called by God. The outline of the mountain symbolizes Mount Sinai where Moses came into the presence of God, and was given the Law. Signifying God’s presence is the nimbus of light atop the mountain. In the profile of the mountain, are seen the tablets of the law, and ascending from the bottom of the window are the figures, representative of the Israelites, breaking God’s command in making offerings to the golden calf.

This magnificent window is the gift of Nancy and Harold Burney.

Nave Window - East

Page 26: Celebration windows

PRAISE [Dedicated to The Glory of God – January 29, 1978]

“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise him in the heights! Praise Him all his angels, all His hosts! Praise Him, sun and moon, praise Him all you shining stars!

Psalm 148We see moon, stars, sun – all creation exalting the Lord. The people with hands

raised in adoration, heads and hearts lifted in hymns of praise, offer flowers. Vaguely seen in the lower area is the lyre, encouraging all persons to “Sing unto Him a new song.” Overall, this is a visual portrayal of Psalms, an outpouring of praise and adoration to the Lord, our God.

The gift of this window was made possible through the accumulation of many memorial contributions throughout the years. It is dedicated in loving remembrance to the following individuals who have shared in the fellowship of this church:

Content Barnes / Anna Beebe / Burnetta Block / /Robert Broadfoot / Ethel Bruce / Ardis Chambers / Charles Cook / Anna Crago / Beulah Dean / Clyde R. and Harriett Dickey / Florence Eaton / Katie Edwards / Blanche Epstein / Edith Fordtran / Ruthann and Willard A. Findlay / Olive Gauer / Miriam Garner / Grace L. Garner / Richard Glover / Winifred Goley / Sidney T. Hammond / Marie Hartelt / William E. Hauser / Edward A. Hess / Barbara Ann Hessel / Ruth Henderson / Andrew J. Hendrix / Charles Holiday / Margaret jackson / Lee Johnson / Helen Jones / Emma Elizabeth Karlen / Allie Fawn Krum / Al Marcoux / Boyd Y. Martin / Faye Morris / James L. Morris, Jr. / Margaret T. Muller / I.H. Myhre / Blodwen MacMath / Grace McElroy / Gertrude McGeachy / William T. Peebles / John A. Planting / George L. Rains / Flo and Hudson Rennie / Oma Scherr / Forrest Simonton / Thomas Spaeenhower / Emma Stanley / Josephone Stodart / John Stout / Bill Storey / Maxine E. Withers / Mary Jewel Watts / Kathryn Wheeler / Claudia Walker

Nave Window - East

Page 27: Celebration windows

PROPHECY[Dedication information not avai lable]

“The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom like a rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing.”

Isaiah 35:1-2

Reminding us of the promised coming of Christ and the flourishing of His kingdom is the Messianic rose, a symbol of hope, prominently seen in the uppermost portion. The Chi-Ro is seen as the nucleus of the sun of righteousness, illuminating the heavenly and earthly Jerusalem. The Prince of Peace, the sword and plow bring to mind the scriptural promise of peace among nations: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares.”

Nave Window - East

Page 28: Celebration windows

BIRTH[Dedicated to Richard H. Morley – January 29, 1978]

In predominance in this amber toned window, the Star of Nativity shines on the outline of a manger containing figures, symbolic of the birth of mankind, in the new life of Christ. This nativity window inspires us with the thought that God revealed his presence to us, in the birth of our Lord.

The window was a gift of the family and friends of Richard Morley who died on April 5, 1977. He was the husband of June Morley and the son of Burt Morley and his wife Blanche, who joined this church on December 29, 1912, #73 in the Church Registry.

Nave Window - West

Page 29: Celebration windows

LOVE OF CHRIST[Dedicated to Dorothea B. Schutz – June 27, 1971]

The brilliant splashes of reds and golds denote the brightness and joy of the love of Christ. From the top section, the hallowed Christ looks down in compassion, his elongated gown stretching to the bottom of the window, signifying his all-encompassing attitude of forgiveness and healing.

In the center section we see the form of Christ, gathering his people into his arms.

We are left with a visual impression of God seeking His people, and through Christ, reaching out to all humanity in His love.

Nave Window - West

Page 30: Celebration windows

PRAYER[Dedicated to Guy Crow – January 29, 1978]

“Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry and he shall say, Here I am”.

Isaiah 58:9

In vivid and glorious greens, we see the figure knelt in prayer and we think of Christ praying in the hills; we remember him in the garden of Gethsemane. Over all, this is a rendition of man’s petitions to God, his prayers of supplication to his creator.

Nave Window - West

Page 31: Celebration windows

SERVICE[Dedicated to Lloyd S. Ross – January 29, 1978]

“I was a stranger and you took me in; . . . I was sick and you visited me; I was in prison and you came to me” . . .

Matthew 25:35-40

In the lower portion of the window, we see the figure of Jesus kneeling and washing the feet of His disciple, and we remember the words of our Lord: “If I, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet”. In the center portion, we recognize the form of our Savior bent with the weight of the cross, which he bore for all mankind. Again and again we are reminded that we cannot truly love without serving.

Christ’s life exemplified the full meaning of self-denial and service. In countless ways he taught that we should serve one another, as he humbled himself to carry out the life of a servant.

This window is a loving tribute from the family and friends of Lloyd Ross, who joined the Anaheim Church as a boy of 10 years, and served as an Elder for 37 years prior to his death on October 22m 1974.

Nave Window - West

Page 32: Celebration windows

THE RESURRECTIONDedicated to Richard and Oma Lee Scherer; donated by Jenny, Lara, and Cindy

Giese.

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall live” . . .

John 11:25

As we gaze upward, it is with a sense of sadness that we look upon the form of our Savior, crucified upon the cross, and think of his suffering and death for all persons. But we remember joyfully the redemptive power of his death and the victory of his love. Portrayed in rich deep hues of lavender and amethyst, the radiant open tomb, the banner, and the cross emphasize for us the victory of life over death. It is this belief which is the very foundation of the church. In the lower portion, and symbolic of Pentecost (the church as the creation of the Holy Spirit) are the seven fiery tongues, indicative of the seven gifts of the spirit.

Nave Window - West

Page 33: Celebration windows

CHANCEL WINDOWS[Dedication information not avai lable]

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.""Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.“

Psalm 100:1-2

Few people take the opportunity to gaze upon the chancel windows, save the chancel choir itself. But they are among the most colorful, vibrant and joyful of all the tall windows in the sanctuary. Each of the windows incorporates the same sweeping colors and lines as seen in the Trinity Windows – and each window symbolizes the “joyful noise” we make to our Lord. Represented in the windows are common musical instruments from biblical times, such as the horns, harps and lyres; while modern musical instruments are also represented in the piano, trumpet and French horn. Each of the windows portrays choirs singing, with the notes of the page being translated into sounds of praise and worship as they are offered to our Lord.

Chancel Window West

Chancel Window

Northeast

Chancel Window

Southeast