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Our Lady of Grace, Dearborn Heights, Michigan

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MSGC : Collections : Window

Window

Building Name: Mayflower Congregational Church

Studio Name: Omnibus Studios

City: Lansing

Window Shape: 2 (rectangle)

Date of Window: 1976

Subject/Title of Window: The Last Supper

Brief Description of Subject: Jesus holds a chalice at the table. Two disciples are on his left and one is on his right. This window, dedicated on September 19, 1976, was donated by Winnie Giannaris (Niklas), Hazel Shroyer (Carver), and Grace Deal. When the stained glass window project was in its infancy, Winnie chose this window - not the theme or the idea, but the location. The chancel was divided then, with the choir sitting on the lectern side. Winnie sang in the choir and she really tried to watch the minister and pay attention, but every Sunday morning when the minister stood up to preach, she lost him in the glare from that window. So, when the clear glass was being replaced by stained glass, Winnie wanted that window. The original plan was that this window would reflect a theme related to music, but after the decision was made to have all of the windows depict an event in the Life of Christ, it was changed to The Last Supper to maintain continuity. In this window the artist depicts The Last Supper which Jesus shared with his disciples. According to the Gospels, this was the Passover Seder celebrating the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and their exodus into the wilderness. Jesus is in the center holding a chalice: “... my blood of the new covenant poured out for you and for many of the forgiveness of sins...” On the table are two broken loaves of bread: “... this is my body given for you...” On his left are two disciples and one is shown on his right. The one sitting closest to Jesus, according to tradition, is John the Beloved Disciple. In the background, two windows open onto the surrounding countryside and we can see on the horizon the hills which surround the city of Jerusalem. Through the left window, we can see water which is probably the Dead Sea, located about 20 miles east of Jerusalem. The Mediterranean Sea is over 50 miles to the west, and it is unlikely that it could be seen even from the Upper Room. This would mean that Jesus is facing west. When Christianity became an accepted religion and began to construct places of worship, churches were built so that the worshippers faced east - toward Jerusalem - and the priest would be facing west as Jesus is in this picture. One of our favorite communion hymns remembers this tradition in the words, “When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun...” According to Holy Scriptures, Jesus instructed the disciples to continue the Supper in remembrance of him. After the Supper, Jesus and the disciples went out to the Mount of Olives to the Garden of Gethsemane, where he was betrayed by Judas Iscariot. Installed Aug. 4, 1976, and dedicated Sept. 19, 1976. Artists Richard Hanley and Mark Taleba. Installation by Omnibus Studios, Okemos, MI.

Inscriptions: MATT 26:27


Condition of Window: Excellent

Height: 80"

Width: 45"

Type of Glass and Technique: Slab or Faceted Glass (Dalle de Verre)

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