Stain
Glass Windows
The memorial windows of First
Presbyterian Church are beautiful reproductions of thirteenth century
designs. In antique glass, rich in coloring and intricate in design, they
are a beautiful memorial to former members of the church.
The Nativity
At the left of the pulpit is a three-paneled window depicting the Nativity. The central panel shows the Madonna and Child. At the left are the shepherds and at the right the Wise Men. Above in the conventional tracery top are two smaller panels depicting St. Michael and the Angel Gabriel.
Christ and the Children
To the right of the pulpit is a similar three-paneled window showing Christ blessing the little children with St. Uriel and St. Raphael in the upper panels.
Greek Symbols
In the left and right balconies sit two clerestory windows of conventional design with tracery tops. These windows show the full beauty of the antique glass. A deep, clear blue predominates with jeweled tones in crimson, amethyst, jade and topaz. Medallions at the left carry the Greek symbols of the Alpha and Omega. The window at the right carries the Greek symbols of the Christus Regnant.
Life of Christ
In two groups of three windows, the left and right sides depict the life of Christ. The left group depicts spiritual crises including the baptism, Christ before Pontius Pilate and the resurrection. The group on the right typifies the Savior in His relation to man. These windows include Christ calling Peter and Andrew, Christ in the home and Christ healing the sick.
Te Deum
The great north window, the Te Deum window, is a magnificent piece of work. A massive grouping has been used in this window with 32 figures in the five tall panels. On a scroll at the base is the quotation from the "Te Deum."
"The glorious company of the Apostles praise thee."
Above this inscription are the figures of the apostles and the prophets. Filling the upper panels are the angelic host. This window measures 26 by 12 feet and originally cost approximately $10,000.
Symbols of Christianity
There are twelve small windows in the church and vestibule, and these are filled with panels bearing symbols of Christianity. These include: the cross, crown, lamp, chalice, harp, Ten Commandments, open Bible, sheaf of wheat, anchor, fleur-de-lis, dove and torch.
Making Stain Glass Windows
The work of the windows was directed by George Luther of Payne Studios from Patterson, New Jersey. The windows were dedicated in 1928.
Thousands of bits of glass, from 18-inch squares to tiny medallions, hardly an inch in diameter are assembled and fitted to the dimensions of the frame. The window frames are Gothic with ornamental top, and minute measurements were necessary to insure accurately fitting windows. The Payne Studios sent a special representative to take measurements. Each segment of glass was cut to fit, cemented with wax to its place and the color applied by hand. In making the so-called antiqued glass, the color is fired into the glass, which is heated to the melting point and then slowly cooled in the kiln. The result is a varying tint and hue which gives the peculiar jewel-like quality to the finished product. The designs are reproduced from thirteenth and fourteenth century windows in the cathedrals of Europe. They are authentic in drawing and admirably adapted to the Gothic style.