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Window of the Month
Our Lady of Grace, Dearborn Heights, Michigan

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Window

Building Name: First United Methodist Church

City: Jackson

Window Shape: 2 (rectangle)

Date of Window: 1955

Subject/Title of Window: Life of Christ 4-6

Brief Description of Subject: The stained glass windows of Memorial Chapel in First Methodist Church portray nine events in the life of our Lord as described in the Four Gospels. Illustrated here in figures and symbols are the birth, boyhood and baptism of Jesus; scenes of his preaching teaching, and healing ministry; and Gethsemane, Calvary, and the Great Commission to the apostles. Panel #4. The Sermon on the Mount-To illustrate the preaching ministry of Jesus, he is shown speaking to the people the words of the Sermon on the Mount which Matthew has collected in chapters 5-6-7. While the truths of the sermon where doubtless given at many different occasions, this collection of his teachings helps us visualize Jesus the preacher. The upper section of the panel shows the Hand of God pointing to the Bible. This symbolizes Jesus’ fullfilment of the Old Testament prophecies. The fluer-de-lys (a stylized lily also in the dossal curtain above the Chapel altar) symbolizes the human nature of Jesus and the Chi Rho (first two Greek letters in Christ) denotes his divine nature. Panel #5. Jesus Healing the Blind-To illustrate the healing ministry of Jesus the artist has depicted the scene when Jesus healed Blind Bartimaeus in Jericho (Mark 10:46-52). Jesus said to him, “Go your way, your faith has made you well.” The three-branched candelabra in the upper section is a symbol of the Holy Trinity which was fully revealed by Jesus in the New Testament. Panel #6. The Parable of the Prodigal Son-To illustrate the teaching ministry of Jesus the artist has shown the return of the Prodigal Son to his father’s house. The son, reduced to a worn-out garment, a staff, and a water flask, kneels before his father seeking forgiveness. The father receives him with open arms. The new clothing awaits the penitent son. The other son is shown at work in the field. The crossed keys in the upper section symbolizes the forgiveness which our Heavenly Father has promised to all who repent and turn to Him in faith.

Condition of Window: Good

Height: 76"

Width: 70"

Type of Glass and Technique: Opalescent Glass, Lead Came

Life of Christ 4-6
Life of Christ 4-6

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