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Altar Windows


 
   
The Savior stands among the hyacinths and violets, symbols of prudence, peace of mind and a desire for Heaven, humility and penitence. Above Him is the form of the cros, XP (Chi Rho), the first two letters of the Greek word for Christ, and which in Latin means peace.

At the top of the left panel is the symbol of the PASCHAL LAMB–"Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world." (John 1:29) At the top of the right panel is a representation of the Holy Scriptures reminding worshippers that the Word of God contains all things necessary for salvation and redemption from our sins. Below the figure of Christ is the butterfly, symbolizing the resurrection of Jesus and of all believers who call upon the name of the Lord. The meaning is derived from the three stages of its life–the caterpillar, the chrysalis, and the butterfly further symbolizing life, death and resurrection.

Interspersed around the figure of Christ are LAUREL LEAVES representing Triumph, Eternity, and Chastity; there is the LILY representing Purity and the PALM LEAVES symbolizing Victory.

Most importantly though, these three panels represent the universal challenge of Jesus Christ as he speaks to all who must live in a world of hardship, sin, and unrighteousness and in which all are seeking to find solace in the Stranger from Galilee. Through these windows, Christ speaks to the afflicted, to the valiant and brave woman, to the youth, to the humble man, to the playful child and to the penitent boy wose mother shows the way to the Savior of the World. He does not call persons of any age to a life of comfortable, easy, complacent living, but rather pleads for all people to "come unto me and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) As worshippers look into the faces of those persons represented here, and especially upon the faces of the children who bring the gifts of purity, love, and beauty into the world, we are reminded of Christ's words to us all, "For to such belongs the Kingdom of Heaven."

Dedicated on November 9, 1958, the windows above were manufactured by Payne-Spears Studio of Patterson, New Jersey and given in memorial to H.F. McGill, Sr. by his family.