Window
Building Name: Southern Heights Christian Reformed ChurchStudio Name: Vanderburgh Art Studio
City: Kalamazoo
Window Shape: 2 (rectangle)
Subject/Title of Window: Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me
Brief Description of Subject: From a booklet, "Southern Heights Christian Reformed Church," July 1981.
Stained glass windows are not meant as decoration; they are designed to present a message and thus enhance our worship experience.
For all the main floor windows, five panes in height, there is a common and uniform pattern. Each window is a mirror of its neighbor (except for the specific symbol) with the size, shape, color, and tone of the pieces of stained glass making up the windows. A curve extends through each window in the middle pane to the pane below it. The distinct impression is given of the curve continuing from window to window. Thus, although each window is different in its symbol, there is a commonality, unifromity, and consistency from one to the other. This informs us that although there are different aspects of the message of Christianity, it all weaves together in one unified whole -- God's covenant of grace with mankind, fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
The sixteen stained glass windows in the sanctuary proper, starting in the southeasterly corner at the rear, going forward to the pulpit area, then from front to rear on the northerly wall, summarize the message of the Bible, following the theme of Creation-Fall-Redemption. As we look at these designs, we marvel at God's great plan of history. The two windows in the balcony remind us of the mission challenge of the church. As we leave, let us dedicate ourselves to becoming God's witnesses. The four corner windows outside the sanctuary represent four different songs of the church. Singing has always been an important part of Christian worship, for songs not only enable us to praise our God, but also point us to Jesus, both to what he has done and what he has in store for us.
"Jesus got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, 'Quiet! Be still!' Then the wind died down and it was completely calm." Mark 4:39
Jesus, Savior, pilot me,
Over life's tempestuous sea;
Unknown waves before me roll,
Hiding rocks and treacherous shoal;
Chart and compass come from Thee;
Jesus, Saviour, pilot me.
Psalter Hymnal #460
Height: 67.5"
Width: 36"
Type of Glass and Technique: Antique or Cathedral Glass, Lead Came
Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me
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