Featured Window

Our Lady of Grace, Dearborn Heights, Michigan

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MSGC : Collections : Window

Window

Building Name: Zion Lutheran Church

Studio Name: Associated Art Glass Studios

City: Ferndale

Window Shape: 6 (gothic arched, more than 2 vertical sections)

Date of Window: 1954

Subject/Title of Window: Come Unto Me

Brief Description of Subject: In gold, located at the top of the window, are monograms for the words "Christ Jesus" --- Chi-Rho the first two letters of "Christ" in Greek, and IHS the first three letters of "Jesus."
 
The center lancet features Christ in a garden setting. He is pictured in a welcoming pose --- "Come unto me," words of Christ recorded in Matthew 1:28 KJV. He is costumed in a long red cape and sash symbolizing his human nature, and a white robe for his divine nature. In the garden are cypress trees which symbolize death and resurrection, and below his feet the Easter lily.
 
In the left lancet are symbols for Jesus. A white Christmas rose --- "Lo, how a rose e'er blooming" (Christmas carol), and a lit lamp on an open book --- enlightenment that comes from the words of Jesus in the Bible.
 
In the right lancet are symbols of Jesus. A pomegranate --- an ancient symbol for new life, resurrection, and a perpendicular placed cross in a crown --- Christ the King, updating the words Pontius Pilate placed on the cross, "Jesus, the Nazarene, King of the Earth."
 
The following is a poem by Reverend L. H. Pertner, titled "Only Three Windows," that gives a firsthand description of this three lancet window. He wrote that it was written "In memory of the dedication of our memorial window on May 2, 1954." The Reverend was the Pastor of this Church from its beginning until his retirement in 1959. So he would have been in consultation with the artist for the design of this window.
 
Only three windows: we admit that it is true.
But remember, in the window is a lesson for you.
As you look and you study, the beauties unfold.
The windows assist you in worship as you behold
 
Red, the symbol of Jesus, the sacrifice He made;
White, the symbol of His Purity and the life He gave;
Blue, the symbol for christians to be loyal and true;
Gold, the symbol of the value Jesus places on you.
 
The I H S stands for the Savior of all mankind;
The Pomegranate tells of His resurrection mind.
The Cross and the Crown is the story of our Lord;
The Bible and the Light guide you safely in accord.
 
Each time you enter to worship in this House of God,
Your first glance is toward the windows, and quietness nods.
Your Savior with hands extended, sincere and so devout,
Invites you, saying "Come Hear My Word in This House."

Height: 15'

Width: 10'

The MSGC is a constantly evolving database. Not all the data that has been collected by volunteers has been sorted and entered. Not every building has been completely documented.

All images in the Index are either born-digital photographs of windows or buildings or are scans of slides, prints, or other published sources. These images have been provided by volunteers and the quality of the material varies widely.

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