Stained Glass Windows (continued)

All of the windows are made from genuine antique glass imported from various countries in Europe, a material that reflects the splendor of European cathedrals.

Genuine antique glass is handmade and created by the ancient process of the glass blower. The colors are blown into the glass and are everlasting.

The windows are leaded with virgin lead and reflect in their craftsmanship a quality, which will be as sturdy and lasting as the stones with which the church is built.

The Meaning of Designs and Symbols

Both north and south windows which are divided by a stone cross, express and emphasize in design and radiating color, the cross as a symbol of mankind's hope of salvation culminating in a tapestry of mystery.
The nave windows based on a contemporary design of quiet geometric feeling in soft greys and gold's, are highlighted thru a center field incorporating a symbol relative to the teachings of the church, set against a deep blue.
The symbols start with number one in the first window to the west next to the chancel, ending with window number eight in the first window next to the cancel on the east side.

Windows in the Chapel
The symbols in both of these windows represent the sacramental part of our church as follows:
Baptism - in the form of a baptismal font surmounted by a triangle, symbol of the words: "In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." In the center of the triangle, the shell of St. John, symbol of the baptism of Christ. Fish in the waters of the baptismal font are symbolic of the faithful who long for the graces, which are brought to them through baptism and their reception into the Church of Christ.
The Lord's Supper (Communion) - expressed through a chalice surmounted by a cross. The chalice rests in a setting of wine and wheat, symbolic of Christ's pronouncement: "This is MY BODY" - This is MY BLOOD."

Sanctuary and Narthex Windows

The Ark of the Covenant - a symbol of God's promise to send His Son to earth for the salvation of mankind.

Advent - a heavenly city resting on clouds-open door in the center showing the christogram indicating the coming of the Lord.

Christmas (The Nativity) - symbolically expressed through a stable broken by a ray of light emanating from Heaven announcing the birth of Christ. In the center of the symbol is a manger surmounted by a mystical rose, which incorporates the christogram as it rises from the Root of Jesse.

The Epiphany - a stable surmounted by a star of the Nativity high-lighting the Name of Christ surrounded by three crowns symbolic of the three kings who came to adore the Saviour.

Good Friday (Passion tide) - symbolically expressed through an empty cross from which a burial cloth is suspended. In the center of the cross, the crown of thorns-supplemented on the sides of the cross by a spear and a sponge - traditional instruments of the Lord's passion. To the left and right of the Cross of Christ are smaller crosses symbolic of Christ's forgiveness to the repentant sinner and His grief for those who will not repent.

Easter (The Resurrection) - The symbol shows the Lamb as a symbol of sacrifice holding a banner as a symbol of victory over death. A chalice on the feet of the Lamb receiving the Blood of Christ is symbolic of the Lord's Supper.

Pentecost - expressed through a symbol of a descending dove set in a triangle symbolic of the Holy Trinity-surrounded by seven burning lamps symbolic of the seven gifts of the Holy Ghost. The center flame surmounted by a christogram symbolizes that through the help of the Holy Ghost, Christ's teachings enable mankind to pursue a Christian life.

The Ascension - depicted through a throne resting on clouds as a symbol of Christ's return to Heaven and His unity with God the Father. Censers, from which smoke emanates, are symbolic of the prayers of the faithful as they rise to Christ in Heaven.

All of the stained glass has been made by the T. C. Esser Company, Stained Glass Studios in Milwaukee. Designs and color schemes have been planned and executed by Mr. Erhard Stoettner, Master Craftsman, in collaboration with Professor Anton Wendling of the University of Aachen, Germany.
The parishioners of Peace Lutheran Church should derive great pride and satisfaction in knowing that their new church is a definite contribution towards the development of contemporary ecclesiastical architecture in our country. Their spirit of sacrifice has found a rich reward.

(The description of the building structure and windows as found in the 1951 edition of the 90th Anniversary of the Peace Lutheran Church Consecration and Dedication booklet.)

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