Featured Window

Our Lady of Grace, Dearborn Heights, Michigan

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MSGC : Collections : Window

Window

Building Name: Trinity Episcopal Church

Studio Name: Tiffany Studios (attributed by the church to)

City: Niles

Window Shape: 5 (gothic arched, 2 vertical sections)

Subject/Title of Window: Behold the Master Cometh

Brief Description of Subject: This window, entitled "Behold the Master Cometh," illustrates a biblical story found in the Book of John. Martha and Mary, the sisters of Lazarus of Bethany, await the arrival of their friend Jesus, whom they had summoned in the hope that he could heal their sick brother. However, Lazarus has already died and been buried by the time that Jesus and his disciples approach the town of Bethany. Hearing of his coming, Martha has gone to meet Jesus and tell him that her brother would have lived if he had been there earlier, but he assures her that Lazarus will be restored to life. In this scene, Martha returns to tell Mary that Jesus has arrived and asked for her. Together with friends they hurry to the tomb, where Jesus calls Lazarus to come forth from his grave. Another biblical story in the Book of Luke also involves the sisters Mary and Martha, who welcome Jesus and his disciples into their home for food and rest. In that story, Martha is more concerned with serving the meal while Mary prefers to sit and listen to the words of Jesus, who commends her for choosing the better role. Although there is no record of purchase, a letter written by the donor in 1958 attributes the window to the Tiffany Studios. Mrs. Weisburg recalled that "it was ordered from Spaulding's in Chicago and it was made and put in by Tiffany's of New York and I believe it was either 1922 or 1923." The attribution presents a problem, in that the window, which employs much paint on "antique" glass, is quite unlike other windows made by Tiffany, who used "opalescent" glass and very little paint. Other windows in the church, dating from 1858 through the late 1900s, are the work of the Charles J. Connick Studios of Boston, the Walter Pymn Studios of Benton Harbor and as yet unidentified studios.

Inscriptions: Behold, the Master Cometh
To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of Carolyn Mallett Jacks


Condition of Window: Good

Height: approx. 8'6"

Width: approx. 2'

Type of Glass and Technique: Antique or Cathedral Glass, Lead Came

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