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Featured Window

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

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Window

Building Name: Church of the Divine Child

Studio Name: Willet Hauser Architectural Glass

City: Dearborn

Window Shape: 2 (rectangle)

Subject/Title of Window: Baptism-Gospel Side

Brief Description of Subject: This is the first of the seven sacraments depicted on the gospel side clerestory windows.

The Sacrament of Baptism is being symbolized by a scallop shell and an "anchor cross" between two fishes. The scallop shell as a symbol for baptism stems from the belief that John the Baptist used this shell for baptisms. The "anchor cross" between two fishes is a symbol found on ancient Christian graves -- usually with the Greek words meaning "fish of the living"; one interpretation of this would have Christ as the anchor and the fish as Christians -- those that have been baptized with the living water with the hope of eternal life.

The window was conceived by a master stained glass designer, Marguerite Gaudin of Willet Hauser Architectural Glass.

Comments from "Our Stained Glass Windows" c.1970 -- in the "nave of the church, one notices seven square windows at each side of the clerestory walls .... each window on each side carries a symbol of one of the seven sacraments. These windows are very strong in their coloring because the artist wished to convey the idea of the strength-giving quality of the sacraments. A study of these windows will reveal that they tell their story eloquently."

Height: 48"

Width: 48"

Baptism-Gospel Side
Baptism-Gospel Side
Baptism-Gospel Side, Willet Studio sketch
Baptism-Gospel Side, Willet Studio sketch

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