Stained Glass Windows Descriptions

Stained glass windows surrounding the Sanctuary feature 14 steps in the life of Jesus Christ from conception to resurrection.  An additional three-panel window above the main entrance depicts Jesus as THE GOOD SHEPHERD seeking to bring together all His sheep. The Good Shepard stained glass window is dedicated to our first pastor, Rev. James A. McLees. 

BEHOLD A VIRGIN SHALL CONCEIVE, is the first window at the front of the Sanctuary, and it represents the visit of the Holy Spirit to the virgin mother Mary.  A descending dove interprets the Scripture of Luke 1:28-31, announcing the Immaculate Conception. It was apparently given The Dorcas Sunday School Class in honor of the class’s longtime teacher Mrs. H. E. Townsend

THE ANNOUNCEMENT TO THE SHEPHERDS shows an angel in brilliant white visiting surprised shepherds as they tend their sheep at night.  A Savior has been born, a great joy to all people the angel announces.  (Luke 2:8-11).

EMMANUEL (God with us) reveals the scene the humble shepherds saw when they rushed to nearby Bethlehem.  Just as predicted by the angel, they find Mary and Joseph with their wrapped baby lying in a manger in an animal stable. (Luke 2:15-17)

THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT, the fourth window, shows the small family fleeing away at night.  Joseph had been warned in a dream that Herod was seeking to kill this baby.  They escaped to Egypt where they remained for several years.  (Matthew 2:13-15)

AS A BOY IN THE TEMPLE, Jesus, now 12 years old, had remained behind his parents to discuss intelligently with the Jewish teachers.  When his parents came back searching for him, Jesus declared that he was where they should expect to find him: in his Father’s house (Luke 2:41-47).

JESUS BLESSES THE CHILDREN on his way back to Jerusalem.  Many people had been listening to Jesus and asked him to just place his hands on their children.  His disciples objected.  But Jesus declared that all must accept the Word as a child does.  (Luke 2:41-47)

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT is a collection of many parables and teachings and warnings.  Listeners were surprised because Jesus taught with such authority, not as the scribes taught.  (Matthew 7:28-29)

JESUS WALKS ON THE WATER one stormy night when several of his disciples were in their boat on the sea waiting for Jesus to join them on the other side.  He did, by walking across the surface of the sea.  Peter attempted to join him but was not able to walk on the water, sinking until Jesus reached out to save him.  (Matthew 14:25-33)

THE PARABLE OF JESUS AND THE RICH MAN.  The purple robe hints at the wealth of this good and observant man seeking eternal life.  And Jesus loved him for this.  Yet giving up his riches in order to give all to the poor made the man very sad.  (Mark 10:17-22)

THE LAST SUPPER is the final window on the north side and it symbolizes the very last event Jesus would spend with his Disciples.   The bread, representing Jesus’ body and the wine representing his life blood, are blessed and shared as their final Passover meal.  (Luke 22: 14-16, 19-20)

A NEW COMMANDMENT: “Love one another; as I have loved you that you also love one another.”  This is Jesus’ last and most important teaching to his disciples and to us.  (John 13:31-35)   The 11th Commandment on the 11th window.

AGONY AT GETHSEMENE:  On the other side of the main door is the oldest window in the church. Jesus is at prayer in the garden pleading that this cup of death be taken away from, if God so willed it.  Paired with the large three-paneled window over the entrance, these two 1924 windows illustrate the love of Jesus for all His people as well as the immense sacrifice He made at the end of His life.  (Mark 14:32-36)

HE IS RISEN! shouts from the 12th window!   The angel in a gleaming white robe has rolled away the stone from the tomb to reveal that Jesus is gone.  The two startled women then run to tell the others: Jesus Christ has risen from the tomb as he had promised!  (Matthew 28:1-6)

ON THE ROAD TO EMMAUS, two men walk home from Jerusalem discussing recent events, in particular Jesus’ death on the cross.  A stranger joins them along the way, but they did not immediately recognize him as Jesus.  When at last they did, they turned and ran back to Jerusalem with the news that they had seen Jesus.  (Luke 24: 13-16)