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Our Lady of Grace, Dearborn Heights, Michigan

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MSGC : Collections : Window

Window

Building Name: Cathedral of St. Paul

Studio Name: Willet Hauser Architectural Glass

City: Detroit

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

Date of Window: 1937

Subject/Title of Window: Life of Christ

Brief Description of Subject: The first purpose of these windows was to produce an all-over jewel-like effect with no figures or geometrical forms apparent on first beholding the windwo. These windows depict Christ in all his various aspects. The nine panels in the south Transept, each one being divided into three groupings, the upper part of the panel being devoted to a larger figure of Christ in the aspect which is being portrayed with secondary figures and bits of symbolism to complete the story, while the lower half of the panel is divided up into two smaller sections. In these two sections are shown scenes from the life of Chist which exemplify or portray the aspect of Christ above them.

The canopy depicts a vision from the Book of Revelation --- the enthroned King of Kings, surrounded by angels and four living winged creatures. These winged creatures have come to symbolize the scriptural writers of the life of Christ --- Matthew (human), Mark (lion), Luke (Ox), and John (eagle).

The three top panels show Christ as the Teacher, Saviour, and Healer, respectively. In the first, the upper section shows Christ the Teacher delivering His Sermon on the Mount, with the words "And taught them"; the lower sections are Christ preaching from the Boat ("Out of the Ship"), and Christ preaching in the Temple ("And taught"). In the next panel, above the head of Christ the Saviour is "INRI" which with the word "Saviour" forms the Cross. Upon either side an Adam and Eve, entwined by the serpent Christ's heel is crushing. ("Be lifted up; draw all unto me"); the lower sections show Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane ("Hour is Come"), and Christ bearing His Cross ("His Cross"). In the third upper panel Christ the Healer gives ear to the Centurion's prayer - Angels bringing life to the dying children ("So Great Faith"); in the lower sections we see Christ bringing to life Jarius' Daughter ("Not dead-sleeps:), and healing the Blind Man ("Received his Sight").

The three middle panels show Christ  as the Leader, the Comforter, and the Councellor. In the first we see Christ as the Leader, followed by All Races, their standars in hand. With a little child in the fore, personifying "A Child shall lead Them" ("I am the Way, the Truth and the Light"); the two lower sections depict the Call of the Fishermen (Forsook all and followed Him"), and the Call of Matthew ("He arose and followed Him"). In the middle panel we see Christ the Comforter,  His arms outstretched to all Suffering Humanity, kneeling before Him that they be relieved of their burdens heavy upon their back ("Come unto Me"); in the lower sections we see The Good Shepherd saving the imperiled Lamb the Evil Spirit would pull down ("I am the Good Shepherd"), and Protecting the Woman found in adultery ("Neither Do I Condemn Thee"). In the third panel we see Christ the Counselor with Nicodemus deep in thought, and the Rich Young Man, jewel-box in hand, looking for the answer to his problems ("What Shall I  Do-Came to Jesus"); in the lower sections we see the Woman at the Well - husbands looking on ("Heard His Word").

In the lower panels we see Christ the Babe, Christ the Boy, and Christ the Man. In the first there is the Virgin holding the Christ Babe, worshipped by the Wise Men ("Worshipped"); in the lower sections, the Star appears to the Shepherds ("Peace"), and the Presentation in the Temple ("Behold this Child"). In the center panel at the top, the Christ boy astounds the Doctors in the Temple ("We're astonished"); in the lower sections, the Boy Christ in the Carpenter Shop ("Child Grew"), and the Boy Christ instructed by His Mother ("Increased in Wisdom"). And in the lower right-hand panel we see Christ the man tempted as any man can be tempted, seated upon a pinnacle of the Temple. The Devil offering him a Crown, on the one side and on the other side, an angel ministering unto Him ("Get Thee Behind Me"); and in the lower sections, The Baptism of Christ as all men are baptized ("Also Baptized"), and Christ Washed the Disciples Feet ("An Example").

The window is in memory of Ralph Harman Booth. He was born in Toronto, Canada of parents from England. As a boy he came to America and eventually became the publisher of a chain of newspapers in Michigan. Along with his brother George, he was a major supporter of the Arts in Detroit. The shields in the memorial reflect his birth in Canada of English parents and his American citizenship. I believe the window was donated by Mr. and Mrs. George Booth.

These windows were design by George Gugert and cartooned by Marguerite Guadin for Willet Studios.

Inscriptions: In Memoriam
Ralph Harmon Booth
1873-1931


Height: 30'

Width: 10'

Type of Glass and Technique: Antique or Cathedral Glass, Lead Came, Vitreous Paint, Silver Stain, Etching or Sandblasting

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