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

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Window

Building Name: Westminster Presbyterian Church

City: Grand Rapids

Window Shape: 6 (gothic arched, more than 2 vertical sections)

Subject/Title of Window: The Rosette Window, The Kingdom of God

Brief Description of Subject: (north end of sanctuary)
1 Chronicles 16:31
Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, "The Lord Reigns!"

This window was given in memory of William Alanson Howard (1813-1880) by his wife Ellen Jane Burchard Howard. The window is also believed to be one of our oldest windows installed between 1887-1897. Mr. Howard was a Westminster member who served as a trustee in 1871. Prior to moving to Grand Rapids, he was the head of the Republican Pary and was elected to Congress. In 1878, he moved to the Dakota territory after being appointed the governorship by President Rutherford B. Hayes. After his death in 1880 his wife Jane returned to Grand Rapids and Westminster, remaining an active member until her death in 1897. Jane's son William Spencer Howard married Annie Blanche Hughart on April 27, 1881 thus uniting the families of two very generous Westminster supporters. The window contains symbols that represent the Kingdom of God. No information was available on who designed and installed this beautiful art work but is is possible that the Grand Rapids Art Glass Works could have been contracted since it was in existance during this time.

SYMBOLS
Top Arch-The top of this window is almost identical to the Resurrection Window on the west side of the sanctuary. The symbols of the cross are depicted in the shapes of many flower petals.

Four center panels-These panels represent the doors to the world. We leave our sanctuary having been fed and exit to do the work of God's Kingdom. The doors are depicted as beautiful arches beneath lovely architectural buildings. Looking closely at the designs throughout the window you will see the three petal flowers representing the cross, the vine, the oak leaf and the pomegranate all representing the Christ.

Inscriptions: In Loving Memory of William Alanson Howard


Height: 24'

Width: 12'

Type of Glass and Technique: Antique or Cathedral Glass, Glass Paint, Lead Came, Silver Stain, Jewels or Cast Glass

The Rosette Window, The Kingdom of God
The Rosette Window, The Kingdom of God

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