Stained Glass Window Tour: Narthex Windows
[need to add anchor links and anchors]
1. Psalm 23 (North wall)
2. St. Peter (North side of door)
3. St. Paul (South side of door)
4. Psalm 121 (South Wall)
1. Psalm 23 (North wall)
2. St. Peter (North side of door)
3. St. Paul (South side of door)
4. Psalm 121 (South Wall)
1. Psalm 23 (North wall)
The Psalm 23 window combines imagery from both Psalm 23 and the New Testament depiction of Christ as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11). Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, stands before us in a pastoral field. The LORD is my shepherd; * I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures * and leads me beside still waters. He revives my soul * and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; * for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; * you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup is running over. Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, * and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. Given by Maria and Charlie Manning in loving memory of Michael Brent Manning, March 13, 1962 – February 4, 2011, a life well lived in Christ and filled with goodness and mercy. Forever loved and honored by his parents. |
2. St. Peter (North side of door)
On either side of the entry doors are the windows of St. Peter & St. Paul. Jesus said to Peter “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church . . . I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 16:18a, 19a). Peter is shown holding the keys to the kingdom, one gold and the other, silver. At his feet, the church stands on a rock. To the left, Jesus calls the fishermen Andrew and Peter, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people” (Mark 1: 16-18). At right, Peter steps out of the boat to walk on water toward Jesus, but sinks when he notices the wind (Matthew 14:22-33). Familiar symbols of St. Peter are depicted in the tracery. At the top left, an inverted Latin cross recalls the tradition of Peter’s martyrdom following his imprisonment and torture under the Roman Emperor Nero, in 64 BC. So as not to imitate his mentor Christ, the humble apostle Peter, by his own wish, requested he be crucified upside down. At the right, the rooster recalls the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophesy that Peter would deny him three times before the rooster crowed (Mark 14:66-72). Peter, upon realizing Christ’s prophesy had been fulfilled, burst into tears. [why the moon and stars above peter on water?] Given to the Glory of God by Polly & Tom Sapitowicz, and in loving memory of their grandparents: The Rev. & Mrs. John Askew Winslow, Mr. & Mrs. Percival Cabell Gregory, Jr., Mr. & Mrs. John Joseph Sapitowicz, and Mr. & Mrs. Donald H. Mitchell. |
3. St. Paul (South side of door) St. Paul is depicted at center; his right hand holds the object of his martyrdom: a sword. In his left, he holds a book, referring to his role as the author of many of the New Testament letters. Below is his emblem, the “Spiritus Gladius” or sword of the Spirit. Scenes to the left and right of Paul illustrate Paul’s Conversion on the Road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-9) and his imprisonment at Philippi. An earthquake freed Paul and his fellow Christians, and the jailer and his household were baptized (Acts 16:16-26). In the tracery above, a threaded needle before a tent refers to Paul’s profession as a tentmaker (Acts 18:3). On the left, a rayed Latin cross symbolizes the shield of Faith. Given to the Glory of God by Polly & Tom Sapitowicz, and in loving memory of their parents: Pauline Winslow Gregory, Percival Cable Gregory, Joan Patricia Sapitowicz, and Thomas Peter Sapitowicz. |
4. Psalm 121 (South Wall)
The Psalmist lifts his eyes to the hills; above the hills is the Hebrew letter ‘yod,’ used to symbolize the divine name of God. I lift up my eyes to the hills; * from where is my help to come? My help comes from the LORD, * the maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved * and he who watches over you will not fall asleep. Behold, he who keeps watch over Israel * shall neither slumber nor sleep; The LORD himself watches over you; * the LORD is your shade at your right hand, So that the sun shall not strike you by day, * nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; * it is he who shall keep you safe. The LORD shall watch over your going out and your coming in, * from this time forth for evermore. Given by David and Jenny London in honor and memory of their parents and children: Alfred O. London, Joy London, William J. Hamilton, Jr., Virginia A. Hamilton, Cory London, and Casey London. |