Featured Window

Our Lady of Grace, Dearborn Heights, Michigan

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MSGC : Collections : Window

Window

Building Name: First Presbyterian Church

Studio Name: Connick (Charles J.), Ltd.

City: Pontiac

Window Shape: 2 (rectangle)

Date of Window: 1954

Subject/Title of Window: Women of Christ's Day

Brief Description of Subject: As viewed from the outside, the space for this west aisle window extends quite a bit higher. For viewers inside the Church, a balcony obscures vision of the middle part. This window occupies the lower space and is called "Women of Christ's Day." The window in the upper portion of this space is titled "Symbols of Justice."

The Rector, Reverend W. Marbach, informed Connick Associates that "... it is not possible to have the intense light of the east side on the west side of the building because of the building which is 15 ft. from our wall." Connick Associates wrote the following note to their designer of this window: "The west side is very deeply shaded by the neighboring building. We must use just as light glass and as little painted texture as possible on this side, and a great deal of rough-textured or corrugated glass to pull down and reflect in as much light as we can.

The Women's Association (donor) , wanted to have the medallion in each of the lancets to illustrate women of Christ's day in a joyful mood of adoration, service, or obedience.

Left lancet --- Martha and Mary of Bethany: Scene taken from Luke 10:38 - 42. Jesus had come to the house of Martha. Martha had a sister Mary who sat at Christ's feet listening to His word, while Martha was occupied with preparations that had to be made. According to Mrs. Koella, President of the Women's Association, Mary is depicted with praying hands showing joyful adoration, while Mary is seen in joyful service with outstretched hands holding a bowl.
Center Lancet --- Virgin Mary: Scene taken from Luke 1:39 - 56 (Visitation). Mary goes to the house of her cousin Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist. When Mary greets Elizabeth, John the Baptist moves in her womb and Elizabeth praises Mary for her faith. Mary replies with what is known as the "Magnificat," a song of joy and praise. The first line of the Magnificat in Latin begins, "Magnificat anima mea Dominum" (My soul magnifies the Lord). This window depicts Mary, bathed in a radiant light, as she is saying the Magnifcat.
Right lancet --- Mary Magdalene and the other Mary: Scene from Matthew 28:1 - 10. On Easter Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary go to the tomb of Jesus. Then there is a violent earthquake and an angel came and rolled back the stone of the tomb and sat on it. He told the women not to be afraid as the one they are seeking has arisen and they are to tell his disciples the good news. This window depicts the women confronted by an angel at the tomb. Mrs. Koella describes Mary Magdalene and the other Mary as pictured in joyful witnessing.

Connick associates notes that "the colorful field provides a rich pattern in support of this theme, with symbols of the white lily of purity in smaller medallions above and below." The maker's signature at the bottom of the right lancet appears as "Connick Associates Boston 1954."

Inscriptions: Mary and Martha of Bethany
Mary mother of Jesus
My soul magnifies the Lord
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary
Presented by the Women's Association


Height: 7'

Width: 6'10"

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