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MSGC : Collections : Window

Window

Building Name: Central Reformed Church

City: Grand Rapids

Window Shape: 4 (rounded or rose window)

Subject/Title of Window: Pastoral Lamb Window

Brief Description of Subject: The circular leaded stained glass window recently designed and executed for the Central Reformer Church by the Willet Studio is dominated by the Lamb of God. The use of this symbol for Jesus Christ arises from the reference of John the Baptist who said of Jesus, Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)

In the development of the pastoral theme with references to Jesus Christ, later representation went in one of two directions: The triumphant Lamb and the Pastoral Lamb. Faced with these two options, the Consistory voted unanimously to depict the Pastoral Lamb theme. It did so, first because of the text inscribe on three reredos just beneath the window which reads, in part… “We are his people and the sheep of his pastures” (Ps 100:3)

However, even more significant in the Consistory’s choice was the thought that the pastoral them epitomizes Central decision and continuing efforts to be a caring pastoral church. Thus, whenever the congregational gathers to worship it would be reminded that our Lord is both sheep and shepherded and One Who pre-eminently cares for His own. Thus, the Consistory turned away from a theme of triumphalism which is one of the temptations f the Church at all times while at the same time it longs for the day when there shall be one Shepherd and one flock. Instead, it sought to affirm the fact that the one finds his life in losing it, is cared for by learning to care.

The pastoral theme is depicted in several ways in the design of the window. The staff He holds Him both sheep and shepherd. The tri-radiant nimbus attests to his divinity. Jesus, is indeed Lord. The lamb stands on grass which gives way to stylized water. This is the still water which is both the water to which the sheep are led for refreshment as well as the cleansing water of the Sacrament of Baptism. But the sheep must also be fed. Thus, the Sacrament of Communion is to be noted in the decorative border of grapes and wheat as well as by the bread and cup.

The squared lines throughout the depiction are intended to harmonize with the Georgian style of Centrals building.

Condition of Window: Excellent

Height: 6'

Width: 6'

Type of Glass and Technique: Vitreous Paint

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