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Window of the Month
Our Lady of Grace, Dearborn Heights, Michigan

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Window

Building Name: First United Methodist Church

City: Grand Ledge

Window Shape: 3 (arched)

Date of Window: 1912

Subject/Title of Window: Grapes

Brief Description of Subject: From the booklet, "First United Methodist Church, Grand Ledge, Michigan. Walking Tour Guide of the Stained Glass Windows," by C. Bernard Johnson (1994).
The window next to the Hoags honors Benjamin R. Smith and his wife Martha Hixson Smith. They were married on February 14, 1885. Benjamin was from Delta and Martha was from Eagle. Benjamin was the Chairman of the Trustees and Building Committee. On June 8, 1912, he was in charge of the first service in the new church.

TWO BUNCHES OF GRAPES
Grapes are used in various references through out the old testament, and few times in the new testament. The symbol of a bunch of grapes is intended to mean that people in the church are members of the family, just like each individual grape is a part of the bunch of grapes. This window talks to us about community and being part of a family together. The new testament speacks of our sense of holy communion. When we drink the juice, that is not only a reference to Jesus' blood being shed for us, but also of the comingling of the juice of many grapes. This has been part of the history of the church for many years. The book of REVELEATIONS CHAPTER 14, VERSE 18,"THRUST IN THY SHARP SICLE, AND GATHER THE CLUSTERS OF THE VINE OF THE EARTH; FOR HER GRAPES ARE FULLY RIPE."


Inscriptions: Mr. and Mrs. B.R. Smith


Condition of Window: Fair

Height: 6'10"

Width: 2'11"

Type of Glass and Technique: Opalescent Glass, Lead Came

Grapes
Grapes

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