Featured Article
St. Paul Lutheran Church
Stained Glass Windows
|
Download the article here.
|
| ||
|
The Rev. William Eisenmann, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, admires the stained-glass windows produced for the church by a group of parishioners. The volunteers eventually will produce 48 panels of various biblical themes. The project is expected to be finished by the end of the year.
The newspaper article in the Times Herald, written by St. Paul's own Jim Ketchum, appeared in 1986.
|
Project Will Let Sunshine In
St. Paul Lutheran members building stain-glass panels.
St. Paul Lutheran members building stain-glass panels.
Port Huron Township-Eight members of St. Paul Lutheran Church are letting the sun shine in on a project they hope brighten Sunday worship services.
The members are making 48 stained-glass window panels to replace faded Plexiglass installed when the church was built about 10 years ago at 3790 W. Water St.
About 25 of the panels are finished. And members working on the project hope the rest can be completed by the end of the year. The entire project probably will not cost much more than $500, said the Rev. William Eisenmann, the church pastor.
“We've had money come in from memorials and Aid Association for Lutherans donated $250. We've also been getting discounts from some of the local stores,” Eisenmann said.
They've also gotten generous donations of time, as much as five or six hours a week per person. But those involved say it is a labor of love.
“I see it as an opportunity to hone my craft and to do something permanent for the church,” said Michele Marone.
“It's a chance to help beautify the church, and it really does. The room (sanctuary) is white with earth tones. It was kind of bland, but the color from the windows has really added to it”.
Marone and Strauss, who both had done some stained glass work as a hobby before the church project, try to get toether once a week to work on the windows. Each panel takes about eight hours to complete.
“It gives me a chance to share my talent with the church. I really enjoy doing it. I said to my family, this will be in the church forever,” said Strauss.
The panels depict various Biblical scenes. One window grouping will illustrate sayings of Jesus such as “I am the vine...” and “I am the way...”
Another shows scenes from the church year including Easter, Pentecost, Advent and Christmas; another will show themes from the Psalms while another will illustrate rites such as baptism and communion.
Eisenmann conceived the idea but immediately wanted to involve members of the congregation who had experience working in stained glass. He had no trouble finding people with the artistic skill.
“We meet periodically to pick out the designs and the passages we want to illustrate. Then the people either work on the windows in their own homes or meet at other people's homes,” Eisenmann said.
When the project is finished, Eisenmann said the church plans to publish a booklet explaining the symbols.
But for now, the work goes on.
Strauss said the work has been a team effort. Besides Strauss and Marone, other workers are Marone's husband, Michael; Jim Cunningham, Pat Shaffmaster, Pat Pfeifer and Joyce Pickelhaupt, all of Port Huron and Ardith Smith, Marysville.
Strauss said none of the work has been particularly hard, but selecting a theme and pulling out a symbol to illustrate it sometimes is difficult.
Marone agrees.
“The difficulty depends on the person. For me, soldering is harder,” she said.
Marone said besides beautifying the church, the group is saving money.
We figure it would cost about $2,400 to buy these windows. By doing it this way, I'd be surprised if it cost more than $600 or $700,” she said.
**The personal addresses of Michele and Kathy were omitted, but were published in the original 1986 article.
The members are making 48 stained-glass window panels to replace faded Plexiglass installed when the church was built about 10 years ago at 3790 W. Water St.
About 25 of the panels are finished. And members working on the project hope the rest can be completed by the end of the year. The entire project probably will not cost much more than $500, said the Rev. William Eisenmann, the church pastor.
“We've had money come in from memorials and Aid Association for Lutherans donated $250. We've also been getting discounts from some of the local stores,” Eisenmann said.
They've also gotten generous donations of time, as much as five or six hours a week per person. But those involved say it is a labor of love.
“I see it as an opportunity to hone my craft and to do something permanent for the church,” said Michele Marone.
“It's a chance to help beautify the church, and it really does. The room (sanctuary) is white with earth tones. It was kind of bland, but the color from the windows has really added to it”.
Marone and Strauss, who both had done some stained glass work as a hobby before the church project, try to get toether once a week to work on the windows. Each panel takes about eight hours to complete.
“It gives me a chance to share my talent with the church. I really enjoy doing it. I said to my family, this will be in the church forever,” said Strauss.
The panels depict various Biblical scenes. One window grouping will illustrate sayings of Jesus such as “I am the vine...” and “I am the way...”
Another shows scenes from the church year including Easter, Pentecost, Advent and Christmas; another will show themes from the Psalms while another will illustrate rites such as baptism and communion.
Eisenmann conceived the idea but immediately wanted to involve members of the congregation who had experience working in stained glass. He had no trouble finding people with the artistic skill.
“We meet periodically to pick out the designs and the passages we want to illustrate. Then the people either work on the windows in their own homes or meet at other people's homes,” Eisenmann said.
When the project is finished, Eisenmann said the church plans to publish a booklet explaining the symbols.
But for now, the work goes on.
Strauss said the work has been a team effort. Besides Strauss and Marone, other workers are Marone's husband, Michael; Jim Cunningham, Pat Shaffmaster, Pat Pfeifer and Joyce Pickelhaupt, all of Port Huron and Ardith Smith, Marysville.
Strauss said none of the work has been particularly hard, but selecting a theme and pulling out a symbol to illustrate it sometimes is difficult.
Marone agrees.
“The difficulty depends on the person. For me, soldering is harder,” she said.
Marone said besides beautifying the church, the group is saving money.
We figure it would cost about $2,400 to buy these windows. By doing it this way, I'd be surprised if it cost more than $600 or $700,” she said.
**The personal addresses of Michele and Kathy were omitted, but were published in the original 1986 article.
Dedication
of
Stained Glass Windows
May 4, 1986
“NOT TO US, O LORD, NOT TO US, BUT TO THY NAME GIVE GLORY!”
~Psalm 115:1a (RSV)
of
Stained Glass Windows
May 4, 1986
“NOT TO US, O LORD, NOT TO US, BUT TO THY NAME GIVE GLORY!”
~Psalm 115:1a (RSV)
P: Brothers and sisters in Christ: Today we seek God's blessing as we gather with thankfulness to dedicate these stained glass windows to the glory of God.
P: All your works praise you, O Lord.
C: AND YOUR FAITHFUL SERVANTS BLESS YOU.
P: Blessed are you, O Lord our God, king of the universe. You made the whole earth for your glory; all creation praises you. We lift our voices to join the songs of heaven and earth, of things seen and unseen.
You stretched out the heavens like a curtain; you divided the day from the night; you appointed times and seasons for work and rest, for tearing down and building up. You blessed your people through all generations and guided them in life and death: Abraham and Sarah; Moses and Miriam; Isaiah and all the prophets; Mary, mother of our Lord; Peter, James, John, and all the apostles; and all the saints and witnesses in your Church of ages past, in whom your Spirit spoke and moved.
Be with us now and bless us as we dedicate these stained glass windows to your glory and praise. Grant us faith to know your gracious purpose in all things, give us joy in them, and lead us to the buiding up of your kingdom; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
C: ACCEPT THESE WINDOWS WHICH WE OFFER IN THANKSGIVING; AS THE LIGHT WHICH SHINES THROUGH THEM IS TRANSFORMED INTO STILL GREATER SPLENDOR, SO MAY OUR LIVES SHOW THE BEAUTY OF YOUR MANIFOLD GIFTS OF GRACE.
AMEN
P: Let us bless the Lord.
C: THANKS BE TO GOD.
Choir Anthem (10:45) “Dedication” Senior Choir
P: All your works praise you, O Lord.
C: AND YOUR FAITHFUL SERVANTS BLESS YOU.
P: Blessed are you, O Lord our God, king of the universe. You made the whole earth for your glory; all creation praises you. We lift our voices to join the songs of heaven and earth, of things seen and unseen.
You stretched out the heavens like a curtain; you divided the day from the night; you appointed times and seasons for work and rest, for tearing down and building up. You blessed your people through all generations and guided them in life and death: Abraham and Sarah; Moses and Miriam; Isaiah and all the prophets; Mary, mother of our Lord; Peter, James, John, and all the apostles; and all the saints and witnesses in your Church of ages past, in whom your Spirit spoke and moved.
Be with us now and bless us as we dedicate these stained glass windows to your glory and praise. Grant us faith to know your gracious purpose in all things, give us joy in them, and lead us to the buiding up of your kingdom; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
C: ACCEPT THESE WINDOWS WHICH WE OFFER IN THANKSGIVING; AS THE LIGHT WHICH SHINES THROUGH THEM IS TRANSFORMED INTO STILL GREATER SPLENDOR, SO MAY OUR LIVES SHOW THE BEAUTY OF YOUR MANIFOLD GIFTS OF GRACE.
AMEN
P: Let us bless the Lord.
C: THANKS BE TO GOD.
Choir Anthem (10:45) “Dedication” Senior Choir
Thine are the gifts for which we thank Thee,
Gifts freely on us bestowed. They are Thy own.
We but return them that we may ever follow thee.
Gifts freely on us bestowed. They are Thy own.
We but return them that we may ever follow thee.
Memorials for Stained Glass Windows
Nave windows originally dedicated and given by the following people:
Two windows in memory of Cornelius and Anna Langolf, given by Barbara Crowe.
One window in memory of Charles Falk by his wife, Theresa Rose Falk.
One window in memory of Norman A. Eisenmann by Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Campbell.
Memorial monies given for the stained glass project:
Given in memory of Ken Hewitt by family and friends.
Various memorial gifts not designated for other purposes.
Two windows in memory of Cornelius and Anna Langolf, given by Barbara Crowe.
One window in memory of Charles Falk by his wife, Theresa Rose Falk.
One window in memory of Norman A. Eisenmann by Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Campbell.
Memorial monies given for the stained glass project:
Given in memory of Ken Hewitt by family and friends.
Various memorial gifts not designated for other purposes.
Acknowledgements
Thanks to the congregation members who have worked with the Stained Glass Committee on the design and construction of the window panesl; to members of the Worship Committee and to Pastor Bill Eisenmann for supervision of the project; to those who helped with installation of the panels; to Eric Shaffmaster for caulking the panels; to Amy Smith for calligraphy for the dedication booklet.
We also acknowledge with gratitude the grant of $250 from Aid Association for Lutherans to the project.
We also acknowledge with gratitude the grant of $250 from Aid Association for Lutherans to the project.
Brief History of St. Paul's
St. Paul's Lutheran Church began as fifteen men met at the home of Carl Langolf in 1917. On June 24, 1917, the first building was dedicated. In 1923, a larger structure was constructed at the same site at Fourteenth and Wells Streets. Dedication of the present Ministry Center on West Water Street was February 22, 1976. On February 26, 1978, the fellowship hall was dedicated
The purpose of our building and furnishings is to give God glory and to use for celebrating and spreading the Gospel. We call the building a “Ministry Center” because in and from it God ministers to people, in the congregation and in the world.
The purpose of our building and furnishings is to give God glory and to use for celebrating and spreading the Gospel. We call the building a “Ministry Center” because in and from it God ministers to people, in the congregation and in the world.
Windows
Window 1 depicts services from the Lutheran Book of Worship and sayings from the Gospel of John.
The panels of Window 2 show symbols depicting the seasons of the church year.
Window 3 displays Psalms and Trinity symbols.
Window 4 shows how Christ meets us in others and six symbolizing crosses.
Window 1 depicts services from the Lutheran Book of Worship and sayings from the Gospel of John.
The panels of Window 2 show symbols depicting the seasons of the church year.
Window 3 displays Psalms and Trinity symbols.
Window 4 shows how Christ meets us in others and six symbolizing crosses.
Window 1
|
BAPTISM
shells with three drops of water (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) Designed/Made by Kathy Strauss |
|
HOLY COMMUNION
chalice and wafer (The Body and Blood of Christ) Designed/Made by Michele Marone |
|
SERVICE OF THE WORD
open Bible Designed/Made by James Cunningham |
|
CONFIRMATION/
AFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM branch with leaves symbolizing growth Designed/Made by James Cunningham |
|
MARRIAGE
cross with two intersecting rings Designed/Made by Michele Marone |
|
BURIAL OF THE DEAD
cross symbolizing Christ's victory over death Designed/Made by Michele Marone |
|
THE VINE AND THE BRANCHES
John 15:5- "I am the vine, and you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, and I in him, will bear much fruit; for you can do nothing without me. Designed/Made by James Cunningham |
|
THE DOOR
John 10:7 - So Jesus said again, "I am telling you the truth: I am the gate for the sheep." Designed/Made by Kathy Strauss |
|
THE LIGHT
John 8:12b- "I am the light of the world," Jesus said. "Whoever follows me will have the light of the life and will never walk in darkness". Designed/Made by Patricia Shaffmaster |
|
THE GOOD SHEPHERD
John 10:11- "I am the good shepherd, who is willing to die for the sheep". Designed/Made by James Cunningham |
|
THE BREAD OF LIFE
John 6:48- "I am the bread of life." Designed/Made by James Cunningham |
|
THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE
John 11:25- Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live, even though he dies." Designed/Made by Michele Marone |
Window 2
|
ADVENT
wreath and candles Designed/Made by Michele Marone |
|
CHRISTMAS
Christ in the manger Designed/Made by Kathy Strauss |
|
EPIPHANY
star Designed/Made by Patricia Shaffmaster |
|
LENT
bowl and pitcher symbolizing Christ's servanthood Designed/Made by James Cunningham |
|
PASSION SUNDAY
palm branches Designed/Made by James Cunningham |
|
MAUNDY THURSDAY
chalice and loaf Designed/Made by James Cunninham |
|
GOOD FRIDAY
The Lamb of God Designed/Made by Patricia Shaffmaster |
|
EASTER
Easter Lily Designed/Made by Patricia Shaffmaster |
|
ASCENSION
balloons Designed by Michele Marone Made by Mike Marone |
|
PENTECOST
dove, symbol of the Holy Spirit Designed/Made by Kathy Strauss |
|
PENTECOST SEASON
heart, symbol of loving service Designed by Michele Marone Made by Ardith Smith |
|
CHRIST THE KING SUNDAY
crown with jewels - Christ rules over all Designed/Made by Michele Marone |
Window 3
|
"PRAISE HIM WITH HARP"
Psalm 150:3b Designed/Made by Michele Marone |
|
"GOD IS OUR REFUGE AND OUR STRENGTH"
Psalm 46:1 Designed/Made by Patricia Shaffmaster |
|
"RECEIVE MY PRAYER AS INCENSE, MY UPLIFTED HANDS AS AN EVENING SACRIFICE."
Psalm 141:2 Psalm 55:1a Designed/Made by Michele Marone |
|
"I LIFT UP MY EYES UNTO THE HILLS..."
Psalm 121:1,2 Designed/Made by James Cunningham |
|
"O LORD, YOU HAVE SEARCHED ME AND KNOWN ME."
Psalm 139:1 Designed/Made by James Cunningham |
|
"O SING TO THE LORD A NEW SONG."
Psalm 96:1 Designed/Made by Kathy & Don Strauss |
|
TREFOIL AND TRIANGLE
Designed by Patricia Pfeifer Made by Patricia Shaffmaster |
|
GOD THE FATHER
(CREATOR) Designed/Made by James Cunningham |
|
GOD THE SON
(JESUS CHRIST) Designed by Patricia Pfeifer Made by Patricia Shaffmaster |
|
SHAMROCK
used by St. Patrick to explain the trinity in the 5th century A.D. Designed by Michele Marone Made by Joan Fleming |
|
GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT
(TONGUES OF FIRE) Designed by Patricia Shaffmaster Made by Thomas Lewis |
|
TRIQUETRA
Designed by Patricia Pfeifer Made by James Cunningham |
Window 4
|
"I WAS HUNGRY AND YOU GAVE ME FOOD."
Matthew 2535a Designed by Patricia Pfeifer Made by Patricia Shaffmaster |
|
"I WAS THIRSTY AND YOU GAVE ME DRINK."
Matthew 25:35b Designed by Patricia Pfeifer Made by Kathy & Don Strauss |
|
"I WAS A STRANGER AND YOU WELCOMED ME IN."
Matthew 25:35c Designed by Patricia Pfeifer Made by Patricia Shaffmaster |
|
"I WAS NAKED AND YOU CLOTHED ME."
Matthew 25:36a Designed by Patricia Pfeifer Made by Patricia Shaffmaster |
|
"I WAS SICK AND YOU VISITED ME."
Matthew 25:36b Designed by Patricia Pfeifer Designed by Michele Marone |
|
"I WAS IN PRISON AND YOU CAME TO ME."
Matthew 25:36c Designed by Patricia Pfeifer Made by Michele Marone |
|
TAU CROSS
SYMBOLIZES REPENTANCE Designed by Patricia Pfeifer Made by James Cunningham |
|
MALTESE CROSS
SYMBOLIZES PROTECTION Designed by Patricia Pfeifer Made by James Cunningham |
|
ANCHOR CROSS
SYMBOLIZES HOPE Designed by Patricia Pfeifer Made by James Cunningham |
|
CELTIC CROSS
SYMBOLIZES MISSION Designed by Patricia Pfeifer Made by James Cunningham |
|
LATIN CROSS
SYMBOLIZES SUFFERING Designed by Patricia Pfeifer Made by James Cunningham |
|
CROSS OF VICTORY
SYMBOLIZES CHRIST'S VICTORY AND RULE OVER THE WORLD Designed by Patricia Pfeifer Made by James Cunningham |
|
Window 1
Window 3
|
Window 2
Window 4
|
|
Information compiled from the original Times Herald article (1986) and the Dedication Booklet (May 4, 1986).
~Michelle Merkau October 2014 |
|