Lessons in the light
The goal of the stained glass window committee has been to fabricate 18 memorial windows adding the finishing touch to the Redeemer Lutheran Church on Pioneer Road.
The project is well on its way to completion. Twelve of the windows have been installed.
The committee was formed in October 2000 with a three-fold desire: to seek relief from the heat of the sun coming through the clear glass windows, to offer a beautiful way of illustrating the Bible to the congregation and to serve as an outreach to the community. They are also teaching windows, frequently used as lessons for church, Sunday School, VBS and Tiny Treasures Preschool.
Marlene Carson of Inspirations in Glass was asked to consult, helping develop biblical lessons to be crafted into window art. She explained how stained glass windows are made, contemporary versus traditional art and how to put out bids. She helped with other details as the planning process continued.
The idea of illustrating the Paths to Redemption was made in committee and Bible passages that would illustrate the theme were chosen. Choices were made from the Old Testament and the New Testament.
Requests for bids were sent to local and distant artists asking for one or two designs. Three of those who responded were invited to visit the church to present their ideas. Creative Stained Glass Studios was chosen. All panels were presented to the congregation. Suggestions were taken and some changes made.
Original windows were replaced with double-paned low-E panels that would accept stained glass. A groove provides a snap-in lock system resulting in three panes, the third can be removed if necessary. Pros and cons of various types of colored glass were discussed as well as colors to be used and decisions made.
The first four windows were installed in November 2005. The two, on each side of the front door are designed with a Chi-Rho in one window and the Alpha & Omega in the other. The words “I am the Redeemer” are etched on the glass. Altar side windows represent the sacraments, “The Lord’s Supper” Matthew. 26:26-30 and Luke 22:7-13 and “Baptism” Matthew.3:13-17.
Five more windows were added the following year. The three large “Creation” Genesis 1-2 windows are in the east transept. The Tree of Knowledge extends across the three windows. Adam, Eve, sea life, animals and an owl are also depicted here. Smaller “Noah’s Ark” Genesis 6:9-9:17 and “Burning Bush” Exodus 20:1-21windows are in the Nave.
The Old Testament path was completed next with the additions of windows representing “King David” 1 Samuel 16: 1-13 and “Jesse’s Root” Isaiah 11:1-9.
The “Nativity” Luke 2:8-20 window, the most recent to be installed, was the first to be placed in the Nave on the west side of the sanctuary.
Six other stained glass renditions of New Testament stories will be added on the west side of the sanctuary as funds become available. Three, to complete those in the Nave will represent “Christ the Good Shepherd” John 10:11-15, “Crucifixion and Resurrection” John 19:17-42, Luke 24:1-12 and “Pentecost” Acts 2:1-4. The last and larger three windows will combine to symbolize “Paradise” as written in Revelation 21 and 22.
A book containing names memorialized is located in the entry. Names listed: Roy Beck, Emma Beckley, Lucille Butler, Don Denham, Al Hahn, Marianne Hamrick, Mrs. Mackes, Beatrice Hohman, Martin and Sofie Hofman, Lester Jones, Otto Ketter, Lydia Koehn, Charles, Laura, Lester, and Arthur Lindeman, Ernest and Lenora Lorenz, Donald L. Madrid, Robert/ Doris, Kit, and David, Moyer, Ella Neuberger, Ray Scherer, Jim Sinner, Christina Steinart, John Weitzel, and Alfred Williams.
The committee was comprised of many members throughout the project including Nancy and Reverend Marion Hofman emeritus, Jenean Hovel, Sharleen Hamilton, Gordon and Karen Wagner, Michelle Clubb, Lauren and Pastor Jeff Ryan, Karen Madrid, and others.
The community is invited to come and view these lovely stained glass windows.