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HomeMy WebLinkAboutA&M Methodist Windows 1217031919 1979 ■ A &M United Methodist Church 417 University Drive College Station, Texas 77840 Sanctuary Windows The drawings in this booklet were originally outlines of the Truths presented pictorially in the stained glass windows. My idea was to bring them alive for the children in my Sunday School class and the Children's Depart- ment so they would understand and love them and know they too were "sermons" for us who worship here. As I learned more of religious symbolism, I felt an urgency to share these exciting truths, and my manuscript was used in The First Fifty Years of the A &M Methodist Church by Fred Brison. After some revision, I offer it again to you with the hope that it may be a reminder that, through faith in Jesus Christ, God gives us a clearer under- standing of our daily personal problems and guides us into alternatives for their solutions. I hope that this booklet will enrich your reverence and appreciation for the windows. Reading the scrip- tures cited will help in understanding what each window means. November 4, 1979 Copyright 1979 by EMMA GAY. FOREWORD e,n9vr,„_‘? 9aAi Mrs. J. Gordon Gay DEDICATION This booklet is lovingly dedicated to my husband 1. Gordon Gay. The A &M United Methodist Church was very dear to his heart and he was privileged to be a part of its Christian fellowship for fifty years. He encouraged and supported me warmly in all my art projects. Of par- ticular pride to him were my drawings of our Church windows and my search for the meaning and truths of their beautiful symbolism. His enthusiasm was a strong incentive for my completing the work. E.G. SANCTUARY WINDOWS "Immanuel" or "God with us" is the thread of comfort running throughout the Bible. This same as- surance can be sensed within our own sanctuary. The sanctuary of the A &M United Methodist Church has white plaster walls, a vaulted and beamed ceiling, Gothic arches and glimmering windows, all of which lend an atmosphere of quiet reverence and beauty. The pointed arches signify man's aspir- ations and striving for spiritual growth. The top joint of the beams symbolizes praying hands and the open Bible at the base reminds us that "His word is a lamp unto our feet." There is a central aisle, with six windows on each side, leading to the chancel and elevated altar. We have a rich heritage in these sublimely beau- tiful stained glass windows and we are grateful in- deed to the artist who designed them and to the skilled craftsmen who made them a reality. We are also deeply indebted to the people across our con- ference and state who gave so generously of their time and money for the development of this place to worship. Light passes through these windows in muted shimmering grays. Except for the Rose window and Trinity window, the windows are set into rectangular forms. Each is divided into three arched panels as a triptych, echoing the simple, graceful arches over the doors and choir area. The larger central panel of each window depicts a statement in glowing symbols of an important event or teaching in the life of Jesus Christ. They were provided by special gifts as memorials. Marked designations and interpretations of their symbolism follow. 1. z u:/rizactte ..( a.rrnwrikrget 9ntrkl-c&o chk.eicm, The Rose Window's beauty and sublimity are ap- predated particularly when it is accentuated by rays of the early morning sun. It glows in the recessed arch above the altar, dominating the entire sanctuary. The rose has long been the symbol of the nativity, reminding us that faith in Jesus Christ brings joy and comfort and peace. The window's rich colors of varying shades of blue, red and gold glimmer and sparkle as the light outside changes. The central motif of the window is a figure of Christ offering a communion chalice which speaks of the mutual love between our Lord and his members. This figure, encircled by a golden ring, symbolizes sal- vation that endures forever. The Greek letters of Alpha and Omega with the figure of Jesus Christ echo His words, "I am Alpha and Omega, the be- ginning and the end," (Rev. 1:8) and reemphasize God's continuing revelation of Himself through ROSE WINDOW The Rose Window above the altar overlooking the campus given by Miss Eva Easterwood of Longview in memory of her brother, Lt. Jesse Lawrence Easterwood, a graduate of Texas A &M and a pilot in World War I. Easterwood Airport is named in his honor. His Son, Jesus Christ. Appropriately, the ring is centered within the Creator's star. This six - pointed star suggests it was the Triune God who in six days made the heavens and the earth. "All things were made through Him and without Him was not any- thing made that was made. He was in the world and the world was made through Him." -John 1:3,10. The window's predominately blue color indicates that with faith "This joy is the beginning of the heavenly." "These things I speak in the world that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves." -John 17:13. The twelve arms, extending by two's from the Creator's star, form the outer petals and symbolize the twelve apostles to whom our Lord gave the com- mission to go out by two's and preach and heal. "I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly." 2=1 040.4.# ,e Awe .Niecirovomit Ayr* Alty \bieit ( 41 00_ /**.t //- % A010 : } Y, - . ,......____,-, - inkioltake+.4.4.ki ."7-04,,es' *FA ..t4i0tottV -:t �� •:;� sn 4:) cg3 4=3 p .� � • d r, tiO 91; TRINITY WINDOWS Given in memory of Edward A. Flinn, Texas A &M `93, by his family of Cameron. This group of three tall windows above the main north entrance to the sanctuary echoes the three lower arches which lead to the patio from the cov- ered walkways. Within the sanctuary, they make a thrilling and colorful backdrop for the balcony. They are also a focal point for persons leaving the sanctuary. The Trinity Windows are more decorative than the others in the sanctuary. Each arch is broken up into graceful ovals and diagonal squares and is patterned throughout with beautiful scroll -like leaf motifs. They feature the daisy and the cross: the daisy a reminder of the simplicity and innocence of the Christ child and the cross a reminder of His love and suffering. Christians think of God in three ways: (1) as the creator who made and sustains the world; (2) as Jesus Christ coming to save us from our sins and to show us what He is like; and (3) feeling that he is present with us now in the Holy Spirit to empower and guide us. "If any man love me he will keep my commandments and I and the Father will come unto him and make our abode with him." There is a unity to the three. Each has a flowered cross near the upper arch which denotes by its open ends the young Christian. It is also a reminder of God's great love for mankind through the gift of His Son. The central window is the "Father" window. This is indicated by the royal crown and by the hand of God. Extended, shedding rays of glory, it is a symbol of the Father, with the idea of Creator. In the lower part of the window on the left, the "Son" window, is a sheaf of wheat, suggesting that Christ is the Bread of Life. Directly in line with this, in the "Father" window, is a chalice recalling the love and forgiveness of our Lord on the cross, while in the right window, or window of the "Holy Spirit," is a cluster of grapes, representing the blood which Christ shed for man's sins - -the three combining to symbolize the sacrament of the Holy Communion. Dominant in the "Son" window is a lamb re- clining on the Book of Seven Seals (Rev. 5:1 -14). He reclines because He is the wounded Lamb, but flying above Him is a banner of victory beside a cross. The central motif of the "Holy Spirit" window is an ascending dove, which symbolizes the Presence of God within the heart of a Christian. "If a man loves me he will keep my word and my Father will love him and we will come to him and make our home with him." -John 14:23. krnetiL •` ?.(/ru °h7ltit th- e/l u eA/ "Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, good will to men, for to you is born this day in the City of David, A Savior who is Christ the Lord." -Luke 2:11, 14. No other birth in the history of man has ever been heralded by an angelic choir. The Hebrew form of Mary is Miriam and means star. The five - pointed star is known as the Star of Mary or the Star of Beth- lehem and here represents the fulfillment of the prophecy of the birth of our divine Lord. The three rays from each side denote the Trinity -- Father, Son and Holy Spirit. "Gloria in Excelsis Deo" un- furled across the heavens means "Glory to God in THE NATIVITY A memorial to Mr. 0. B. Martin by Mrs. Grace M. Martin. Mr. 0. B. Martin was Director of the Texas Agri- cultural Extension Service from 1927 to 1935. the Highest" and was the message of the angelic choir on the night of our Savior's birth. The golden rays of light emanating from the banner symbolize the light that His coming brought to mankind. The manger reminds us of His lowly birth and the poverty surrounding His entire life. The heads of wheat denote the Living Bread which He offers all who believe in Him. "I am the Living Bread which came down from Heaven; if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever." That the manger rests on grass reminds us that in the birth of Jesus Christ, God took on human form and came into the world to show His boundless love for mankind. • "Arise and take the young child and His mother and flee into Egypt and be thou there until I bring thee word." -Matt. 2:13. THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT Given by the family of Lt. Paul Haines. Paul was a member of this church, as are his parents, sister and her family. He was a tireless worker in the Wesley Foundation cabinet from 1937 to 1941. While fighting to capture the town of Hambach, Germany, after crossing the Ruhr River, radio communications were knocked out in his tank company which was under heavy assault. Lt. Haines stood in the open hatch of his tank and led his company by arm signals until he was killed by an exploding shell February 24, 1945. He was awarded the Bronze Star posthumously for his gallantry in action. The Sphynx represents Egypt while the flight of the Holy Family is symbolized by wings. The doves signify innocence and purity and here they also suggest the Holy Spirit hovering over and guiding the Holy Family on their flight to Egypt. • • "Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house? And all who heard him were amazed at His understanding and His answers." -Luke 2:41 -52. Jewish boys at the age of 12 or 13 were expected to enter the temple, recite parts of the Torah and be questioned. The Greek cross with arms of equal length is symbolic of Jesus's great love for mankind, and set within a circle, it represents eternity. The two -fold tablets of stone remind us of the law of Moses, the Ten Commandments, which, through THE TEMPLE A memorial to "Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Mogford by Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Mogford." Given in honor of Joe's parents, but a reminder of the unwavering loyalty of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Mogford who joined this church in 1927- the centuries, has guided man in his relationship to God and in his treatment of his fellowman. They speak also of Christ's fulfillment of the law and pro- phecy of the Old Testament. The divided curtain calls to mind that at the crucifixion the veil of the temple was rent in twain, meaning that with the coming of Christ, salvation is for all mankind. Above the window which represents the "Light of the World," the triangle again speaks of the Holy Trinity, while its pointed arch symbolizes man's striving for spiritual growth. "Thou are my beloved son; with Thee I am well pleased." -Luke 3:22. The descending dove and the baptismal font are symbolic of our Lord's baptism in the River Jordan by John the Baptist. The Dove of Spiritual Blessing is one of the most beautiful of all religious symbols. Descending and shedding rays of glory, it represents the Holy Spirit. It expresses innocence and purity THE BAPTISM "Given by Mr. and Mrs. John S. Redditt." Mr. Redditt of Lufkin, Texas, was a former state senator and chairman of the Texas Highway Commission. and signifies the presence of God hovering over Jesus at his baptism. The font with Latin cross reminds us of our Redeemer's great love for man. Baptism is one of the two sacraments practiced in the Methodist Church and is symbolic of the burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is also symbolic of the new life or rebirth of one who through faith accepts Jesus Christ as Lord. •04 J 7yl - 5 �.y n "A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell along the path and was trodden underfoot and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the rock and as it grew it withered away because it had no moisture. And some fell among thorns and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew and yielded a hundred - fold." -Luke 8:5 -8. The seed, of course, is the gospel of God's work in Christ and the different kinds of ground are the hearts and minds of men to whom it is preached. The hard ground means the indifferent from whom THE SOWER • "Given by the Rev. and Mrs. James Carlin." James Carlin was pastor of this church, 1936 -1942; he delivered the sermon at the first formal worship service in the sanctuary in 1951. the seed is taken away, leaving the heart hard and barren as before. The rocky ground is the heart of the person who hears and weighs the advantages and disadvantages of following Christ and turns back to the world. When the seed of the Gospel falls on good ground a tremendous change takes place. A man hears the word and the Holy Spirit enables him to under- stand it. He hears it as God's truth; he believes it and obeys. The harvest is his transformed life, multi- plied in the lives of others who also hear and believe. The sheaf of wheat symbolizes this life of faith. "Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the maimed, the blind, the dumb and many others and they put them at his feet and he healed them; so that they wondered when they saw dumb speak- ing, maimed whole, lame walking, blind seeing. They glorified the God of Israel." Matt. 15:30. Jesus healed the ill son of a nobleman. -John 4: 47 -56. Jesus healed the girl possessed by demons, daughter of a Canaanite woman. -Matt. 15:22 -28. HEALING "Given by Mr. and Mrs. Gibb Gilchrist." Mr. Gilchrist -- Chancellor Emeritus of the Texas A &M University - both members along with their son Henry of A &M United Methodist Church. Mr. Gilchrist died May 13, 1972. The Hand of God is here used as a symbol of the Father, with the idea of Creator. Within the circle it denotes the eternal love of God for mankind. Health is a matter of faith and spiritual welfare, as well as physical well being. Healing is one of the great commissions of our Lord. He heals the body and mind of His Children. In the gift of His Son, God performed a healing, reconciling and saving work for mankind. • •, 'S % - :ice "'�' This window recalls the parable of the lost sheep. Both Matthew 18:12,14 and Luke 15:3,7 relate the story. To think of God as a shepherd is not new. Like a golden thread, this theme runs throughout the Bible. To think of God as a shepherd gives us a picture of His tender, loving care. The Reverend Charles Allen in speaking of "God the Shepherd" tells us that "God knew man would be cold so he made provisions for warmth. Knowing he would be hungry, He put life in the seed and fertility in the soil. For man's thirst, He •Quoted with permission from Houston Chronicle. THE LOST SHEEP "In Memory of Wm. Waldo Partlow. Class of 1943.... by his family." William W. Partlow was a radio op- erator on a plane in the Air Transport Command at Abadan, Iran, and flew the widely- publicized "Rocket Run" to Karachi, India. He was killed July 27, 1945, when his burning aircraft crashed in the desert of Iran. provided water." We need other things, too. "He maketh me to lie down." We need to calm our fears. "He lead - eth me beside the still waters." We need spiritual renewal. "He restoreth my soul." The word "restore" has two meanings. One is to bring back to health and strength one who has been sick. Second, it means to bring back to the fold one who is lost; the forgiveness of sin; the re- newal within one of a right spirit; the rescuing of a wasted life and making it again count for some- thing. The shepherd of men does that. * �. � `;�. • �� �.. �f cwt �. •� •.� r .� • ' � . _. • ate fy "He was transfigured before them and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became white as light." -Matt. 17:2. The nimbus suggests the presence of the Holy Spirit at the transfiguration. The IHS monogram forms the first three letters (Iota, Eta, Sigma) of the Greek spelling of Jesus. The burning chariot wheel THE TRANSFIGURATION "Given by Mr. /. W. Callaway. "Mr. /. W. Callaway was graduated from A &M with the c /ass of 1923. symbolizes Elijah and the prophecy of the Old Testament. The Tablet of the Ten Commandments represents Moses and the Law. Seeing Elijah and Moses walking in a cloud with Jesus on the mountain was God's way of revealing to Peter, James and John that Christ was truly divine and that He was ful- fillment of the prophecy and law of the Old Tes- tament. it rC!lr l.'• � "� '': f• 1 r�:v. r.f , ` r . •S' .} ,� •i�,�� ate; • •�, ` �:.•, { ms • "I am the vine, you are the branches: He who abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit. " -John 15:5. Communion means fellowship with our Lord and with our fellow man. Again we have the IHS monogram forming the first three letters (Iota, Eta, Sigma) of the Greek spelling of Jesus. The hand of God upraised is a symbol of the Father as blesser. • . � �� `�' iii • "f': -v • • 44- al ,. ,• �ts a ' Zl�ir Gt Y n Zir i i - THE COMMUNION • • • •r • • ;• "In memory of Wm. Marion Rascoe, Class of 1942, by his mother... killed in service 7944." The three extended fingers denote the Trinity, and the two upraised speak of the twofold (divine and human) nature of the Son. The outstretched hand symbolizes the souls of the righteous in the hand of God. The chalice reminds us of the sacra- ment of the Holy Communion. The cluster of grapes and vines suggests the union of our Lord and His church: the consolation and mutual love be- tween Jesus Christ and His members. "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." -Luke 23:34. The Latin cross rising from a chalice is a symbol of our Lord's agony and suffering in Gethsemane and later on Calvary. It is called the cross of suf- fering or agony. The crown of thorns calls to mind the humiliation and mockery imposed upon Him by the Roman soldiers and it also speaks of His THE CRUCIFIXION "Given by Miss Annie Shilling, Cedar Bayou, Texas." trial before Pilate. INRI was the superscription on the cross, meaning "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews." The conventional daisy refers to the inno- cence and purity of the Holy Child while the crescent moon symbolizes the Holy Virgin Mother. Her glory was borrowed from the Sun of righteous- ness, Jesus Christ, just as the light of the moon is reflected from the sun. "All power is given unto me in Heaven and on Earth. . .Go ye therefore and make disciples of all nations. Lo, I am with you always." -Matt. 28: 18, 20. Ascension means the rising of Christ in His resurrected body from earth into Heaven. In the ascension of Jesus, God performed a healing act for mankind. The ascending dove symbolizes Jesus Christ as having fulfilled God's purpose. THE ASCENSION "Given by Mrs. Dona C. Carnes, honoring her two brothers, Wm. T. Coulter, M.D., and Walter J. Coulter, A &M Class of 7895." It bespeaks innocence, peace, forgiveness, and anticipation of new life. The olive tree provides shelter and opportunity for rest. Its oil is used as a healing ointment and its fruit is used for food, so it is truly fitting that the olive branch symbolizes peace, harmony and heal- ing. Here it denotes the grace of our Lord who is able to give peace to sorrowing sinners. The flame represents the presence of God and His oneness with His Son, Jesus Christ. "I am the way, the truth and the light; no one comes to the Father but by me." -John 14:6. Here the Greek cross is used as a glorious sym- bol of the living, victorious Christ. It represents Christ's sacrifice for us and his victory over death. The circle denotes eternity, since it is without beginning and end, and is symbolic of Christ's everlasting grace and the eternal life he offers all people. "But for you who fear my name, the Sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings." ��c L l(- 24- wuckee"_t4t1 . • • • • QY77� Zi/iv THE RESURRECTION • "Given by Mr. and Mrs. A. Mitchell. " Mr. Mitchell, a charter member of this church and professor of math ematics at Texas A &M. - Malachi 4:2. The cross in the Circle of Eternity with flames shooting out in every direction suggests the Sun of righteousness mentioned here. The tongues of fire in the rays emanating from the cross symbolize the coming of the Holy Spirit to the disciples at Pentecost, according to the Scriptures. The earth or rock on which the circle is resting is the Rock of our Salvation, denoting the stability of our Christian faith and the triumph of our Re- deemer throughout the earth. ELLUE TURNER WINDOW Ellue Turner, a workman, was killed by electro- cution during the construction of the sanctuary. The northeast window below the balcony, consisting of a pair of glimmering casement windows, is a mem- orial provided by the church and dedicated by the building committee to the memory of Ellue Turner. An iron pipe which he raised came in contact with an electric line and he was killed in an instant. He was a young man, lost in building a place of worship for the A &M United Methodist Church congregation. This adds seriousness and sublimity to the bricks and mortar. ..and the arches. ..and the atmosphere of reverence. ..and, on the contrary, it lends harshness to empty pews. THE THOMSON WINDOWS On the northeast side of the balcony above the stairwell is a cluster of three glimmering windows in soft muted grays. They are the loving gift of the Reverend and Mrs. Jesse C. Thomson, the second minister family of the A &M Methodist Church. Cover design by James K. Raatz.