Window
Building Name: St. Peter's Episcopal ChurchStudio Name: Powell (James) & Sons (Whitefriars)
City: Detroit
Window Shape: 2 (rectangle)
Subject/Title of Window: St. Peter Baptizing Cornelius
Brief Description of Subject: This window is one of two that were placed in what at one time was the location of the baptistry.
The trefoils in the canopy contain symbols for baptism. --- a scallop shell used in administering the sacrament, and the fountain of living water of the Holy Spirit. These symbols are also found along the border of the scene. In addition, the border contains fish --- an early symbol of baptism, as fish cannot live outside of water, a Christian cannot live without the living water of baptism.
The scene pictures Peter baptizing Cornelius, a centurion. The entire story as well as its importance to Chrisianity is told in Acts 10:1 through 11:18. It concerns a problem that arose in early Christianity --- Must a believer in Christ be Jewish to join the Church? God answers the question by directing Peter to baptize Cornelius, a gentile who believes in Christ.
The inscription is found in Acts 10:44, "The Holy Ghost fell upon [all of] them which heard the Lord."
At the bottom right of the window is found the logo of the maker --- a friar wearing a white habit.
The window has a few pieces in need of restoration.
Inscriptions: The Holy Ghost Fell Upon Them Which Heard the Lord.
Height: 32"
Width: 12"
St. Peter Baptizing Cornelius
Whitefriars logo
St. Peter Baptizing Cornelius, outside
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