Thursday, November 23
Favourite Windows
I’ve been thinking lately about windows. Perhaps it is because I am curious if the windows in the house we moved into a year ago are really energy efficient. Maybe it is also about my trepidation as to how I can safely clean the outside of these second-floor windows. Perhaps it is the wonderful poem I came across entitled “Morning Windows” by the 19th century American poet Amos Russel Wells. Maybe it was recently hearing on the car radio one of my favourite songs as a teenager “Look Through Any Window” (1965) by the British band, The Hollies.
The word window originates from the Old Norse ‘vindauga’, from ‘vindr – wind’ and ‘auga – eye’, i.e. “wind eye “. The “windows” among early Germanic peoples were just unglazed holes (eyes) permitting wind to pass through a wall or roof. According to archaeological evidence, the first man-made glass surfaced around 3500 BC in the regions of Eastern Mesopotamia and Egypt. The art of glass production made its way to Rome and by the end of the first century A.D., manufacturing glass was refined and done at scale – to a point that glass became a commonly-available material in the Roman world. It was also during this period that Romans were the first to make window glass panes. This early type of window glass was of uneven thickness and was not see-through like modern glass, but it allowed some light to penetrate. Windows are an important feature in our satisfaction with internal environments we inhabit regularly or on occasion – be it in our home, workplace, public buildings and even the space in which we worship. A good friend of ours has several strategically-positioned reading chairs by windows throughout her home where she can sit and peacefully read at different times of the day. Having a work space that affords an outside window view is often seen as a perk. Is there a window or two or more at All Saints’ that you like?Medieval cathedrals are famous for their stained-glass windows. While the Middle Ages date from approximately the fifth century A.D. to the fourteenth or fifteenth century, stained glass was not actively used in cathedrals until about the twelfth century. Medieval stained glass served several purposes. It permitted more light within Gothic architecture and depicted scenes from Christian scripture to a generally illiterate population. A short YouTube video from the Albert & Victoria Museum illustrates how stain glass windows are made.
I have two favourite windows at All Saints’. As a deacon, I have regular occasion to admire both depending on my vantage point each Sunday. The first is known as the Agg window located on the west wall of the Chancel, near the organ. It depicts St. Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians. It is a favourite of mine because I attended St. Cecilia’s elementary school and often served as an altar boy in the nearby church – also named for this saint. The experience firmly laid my belief in, and love for, God at a very young age. I distinctly remember one day, when I was in the fourth grade, telling my mother that when I finished at St. Cecilia high school, located on the upper floor above the elementary classrooms, I would be going to Sacred Heart Seminary located in the Diocese of Detroit. While my actual seminary experience was delayed some sixty-odd years later, those early church memories are brought to mind when I now sit as a deacon in the chancel at All Saints’.My other favourite stained-glass window at All Saints’ is the small round one located high on the eastern wall of the worship space above where the grand piano sits. It depicts a dove, representing the Holy Spirit. It is a favourite as I am continually reminded of the importance of this member of our Holy Trinity to be a source of inspiration and help available to each one of us as we struggle with our daily life challenges while at the same time seeking dedication and strength to be true disciples of Christ. On Sundays, when I am presenting my sermon, you may see me at the very beginning cast a brief glance over my left shoulder, to both calm my nerves and ask for the Spirit’s presence in what I am about to say to the gathered congregation.So, do you have a favourite All Saints’ stained-glass window? Have you read many of the wonderful descriptions of these works of art penned by our own Arleane Ralph and filed on the All Saints’ website in the “News and Events’ folder? I am interested to hear from you about your favourite window and what may be your story associated with it. [Editor’s Note: See below the prayer for direct links to these window descriptions.] PrayerObserve the stained-glass windows of a church shine brilliantly when touched by the sun. Watch as they reveal exquisite details and bring to life the stories of Christ and the saints. Marvel as they light the church with their brilliance. For that is what we are meant to do – to shine with the glory of God. Amen. Let Your Light Shine Through – Lessons from a Stained-Glass Window.Amy Schisler (2022)
I have two favourite windows at All Saints’. As a deacon, I have regular occasion to admire both depending on my vantage point each Sunday. The first is known as the Agg window located on the west wall of the Chancel, near the organ. It depicts St. Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians. It is a favourite of mine because I attended St. Cecilia’s elementary school and often served as an altar boy in the nearby church – also named for this saint. The experience firmly laid my belief in, and love for, God at a very young age. I distinctly remember one day, when I was in the fourth grade, telling my mother that when I finished at St. Cecilia high school, located on the upper floor above the elementary classrooms, I would be going to Sacred Heart Seminary located in the Diocese of Detroit. While my actual seminary experience was delayed some sixty-odd years later, those early church memories are brought to mind when I now sit as a deacon in the chancel at All Saints’.My other favourite stained-glass window at All Saints’ is the small round one located high on the eastern wall of the worship space above where the grand piano sits. It depicts a dove, representing the Holy Spirit. It is a favourite as I am continually reminded of the importance of this member of our Holy Trinity to be a source of inspiration and help available to each one of us as we struggle with our daily life challenges while at the same time seeking dedication and strength to be true disciples of Christ. On Sundays, when I am presenting my sermon, you may see me at the very beginning cast a brief glance over my left shoulder, to both calm my nerves and ask for the Spirit’s presence in what I am about to say to the gathered congregation.So, do you have a favourite All Saints’ stained-glass window? Have you read many of the wonderful descriptions of these works of art penned by our own Arleane Ralph and filed on the All Saints’ website in the “News and Events’ folder? I am interested to hear from you about your favourite window and what may be your story associated with it. [Editor’s Note: See below the prayer for direct links to these window descriptions.] PrayerObserve the stained-glass windows of a church shine brilliantly when touched by the sun. Watch as they reveal exquisite details and bring to life the stories of Christ and the saints. Marvel as they light the church with their brilliance. For that is what we are meant to do – to shine with the glory of God. Amen. Let Your Light Shine Through – Lessons from a Stained-Glass Window.Amy Schisler (2022)
Click on any window name below to read more:
(Fun Fact: over 25 years passed between the time the memorial balcony window, depicting the Ascension of Christ, was reserved in 1939 and the date it was installed and dedicated in 1964.)
