Featured Window

Our Lady of Grace, Dearborn Heights, Michigan

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MSGC : Collections : Window

Window

Building Name: The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Chapel

Studio Name: Emil Frei Associates, Inc.

City: Livonia

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

Subject/Title of Window: The Nine Choirs of Angels

Brief Description of Subject: All of the aisle and transept windows have the same basic pattern, two lancet windows --- the top symbol in each lancet sets the topic for that lancet, and the four symbols below are each encased in a geometrical shape surrounded by grisaille glass. The border and filler color used, like the geometric shape, is unique to the section of the Church they are located in --- the transept uses a quatrefoil shape and the color of ruby.
 
The transept is on two levels. In the lower level is a chapel and the upper level a choir loft. The choir loft is constructed at an angle like a bleacher. This will cause variations in height and visibility of some of the windows.
 
This window is located in the choir loft of the west transept.This area is no longer accessible as it connects with the wing that was once used for the management of the Felician Sisters of North America. It has been abandoned and is off limits. Pictures are taken from below so that the bottom two sections of this window are blocked from view.
 
Left lancet top to bottom. 
 
Angels: They are the lowest order and closest to humanity. Most serve as guardian angels. Pictured here with heads of two angels and wings.
 
Archangels: They deliver God's messages to humans and carry out God's plans. There are only three known Archangels --- Michael, Gabriel, and Rafael. Michael is the Archangel who defeated Satan in the battle in heaven (Revelation 12:7 - 19). He is symbolized here with a sword and a shield inscripted with QUIS UT DEUS (Who is like God) which is the meaning of the Hebrew name "Michael."
 
Principalities: They are administering angels who are in charge of the care and protection of communities, states, parishes, etc. Pictured here is a flower that symbolizes "protection." There are many such flowers, possibly this is a daffodil.
 
Right lancet top to bottom.
 
Angels: Same as the top of the right lancet.
 
Dominations: The Dominations are the angels of leadership and govern the universe, the stars and planets. Pictured here with a scepter (symbol of sovereignty) and the sun with the Chi Rho (Christ) inscribed on it.
 
Thrones: Sometimes called the "Many Eyed Ones." They see clearly the truth of all things and dispense God's divine justice. Pictured here with two eyes with wings.
 
Although the exact date is unknown, this window was in place by 1944.

Height: 11'

Width: 6'

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.

If you have any questions, additions or corrections, or think you can provide better images and are willing to share them, please contact donald20@msu.edu