Featured Window

Our Lady of Grace, Dearborn Heights, Michigan

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MSGC : Collections : Window

Window

Building Name: Zion Lutheran Church

Studio Name: Hauser Art Class Company, Inc.

City: Ferndale

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

Subject/Title of Window: The Crucifixion, The Resurrection, Ascension

Brief Description of Subject: The transept and facade windows feature the Christian doctrine of Jesus Christ as written in the Nicene Creed. This window, located in the gospel side transept, covers --- I believe Jesus, under Pontius Pilate was crucified for us and our salvation; he suffered death and was buried. In accordance of the scriptures, on the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven.
 
The following description is based on notes for the Church's stained glass tour on April 28, 1985.
 
The primary subject of the left lancet is Jesus' crucifixion along with the thieves, Dismas and Gesmas, in the background. The top symbol, a crown of thorns, is a passion symbol of the suffering Savior, the "INRI '' translates as "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews" --- both of these were done under Pontius Pilate. The bottom symbol, three empty crosses and INRI symbolize Calvary --- the scene of our Lord's final humiliation and ultimate sacrifice.
 
The primary subject of the right lancet is Easter Sunday morning, the third day after the death of Jesus, the day of His resurrection. An angel, with the rising sun behind him, points out the empty tomb of Jesus to the two Marys who arrive with the anointing oil.The stone is on the ground. The top symbol is the "Agnus Dei," Latin for "Lamb of God," words used by John the Baptist when he pointed out Jesus to his disciples. The "Lamb of God" refers to the Passover Lamb that was killed so that the Israeltes may be free, thus John is prophesying that Jesus will be killed for our salvation. The lamb, Christ, is waving the victory over death banner and has a nimbus. The bottom symbol is the descending dove and seven tongues of fire, the Pentecostal symbol of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. 
 
The primary subject of the center lancet is the ascension of Jesus into heaven. Christ now has a tri-radiant nimbus. The empty crosses (Calvary) are in the past, His feet are in the clouds and he is rising through the four heavenly rays. The upper symbol, the flaming chariot of Elijah which carried him to heaven, foreshadows our Lord's ascension. The bottom symbol is a dove and seven flames, the gifts of the Holy Spirit per Isaiah 11:2.
 
The artist for this window was Edward Glunka.

Date of Window: Center lancet 1967; Left and Right lancets, 1969

Height: 210"

Width: 160"

Type of Glass and Technique: Antique or Cathedral Glass, Enamel Paint, Lead Came

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.

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