Stained Glass Windows
Janesville UCC Stained Glass Windows
Thanks to the generosity of members of our congregation in previous generations, our sanctuary is blessed with a number of glorious stained glass windows. We hope viewing these windows will inspire you as they have inspired members of our congregation through the generations.
The Art & Symbolism of the Sanctuary Windows
First Congregational United Church of Christ, Janesville Wisconsin
The Great East Window
This magnificent window was given in loving memory of Frederick and Sarah Eldred, Joseph and Clarisa Echlin, Wadsworth Wheelock, and the men who had served the church as deacons: Benjamin Morrill, Joseph Spaulding, Heman Rice, Varnum Holden, Linus Merrill, J.C. Wingate, Josiah Wright, Hiram Potter, J.S. Chapin, Thomas H. Little, William Amer, Truman L. Hollister, L.D. Jerome and James Sutherland.
- In the original windows, the two symbols are the rose, the messianic promise of Jesus, and the circle of eternity
2. The Resurrection.
Made of Tiffany glass, this is the only side window with a full-length illustration. With uplifted arm, and angel points to heaven. “He is risen!” The stone has been rolled away.
3. Christ and Peter.
Medallions are set against a background of hills and the Sea of Galilee.
At the lower left, the head of Peter, who was the first to acknowledge Jesus as the Christ. At the lower right, the head of Jesus saying, “Come with me and I will make you fishers of men.” Palm branches signify a Christian’s reward after death.
4. Christ knocking.
From Revelation 3:20, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” The halo about Jesus’ head denotes divinity. In the center, pomegranates, a symbol of fruitfulness, become a symbol of the resurrection of Jesus and his faithful followers.
At the top, symbols framed in a quatrefoil represent divinity. At the left, a ship with a cross as its mast sails life’s sea, signifying the saving power of the church. T/he Greek “oikoumene” commands us to “go into all the world!” It also seves as the symbol of The World Council of Churches.
At the top, center, lilies symbolize eternal life. At the right, Chi Rho is the oldest symbol of Christ. It is flanked by Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.
5. Christ in Gesthemane.
In the lower section, Jesus kneels in prayer as three disciples sleep. Jesus kneels in prayer as three disciples sleep. Jerusalem is in the distance. At the top, a dark blue quatrefoil, denoting divinity, surrounds, at left, the cup symbolizing the agony of Jesus in the garden. At the center, the lantern represents betrayal. At the right, the crown of thorns, symbolic of the suffering and death of Jesus, is pierced by three nails.
6. Christ with the Children.
Jesus leads children of all nations on the path to universal friendship. The cross-shaped nimbus behind Jesus’ head means redemption by the power of the cross. At the left, the Latin cross is marked by rays of divine radiance. The heart and flame, center, represent Christian fervor. The anchor signifies hope and steadfastness, and was a disguised cross used by early Christians.
7. The Good Shepherd.
From Isaiah 40:11, “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd and shall gather lambs with his arms.” The crook and staff represent support and control. Alpha and beginning, and Omega, the end, are to be used only with symbols of Christ. At the top, center the hand of God.
Stewardship & Continuing Our Legacy
While our church is on the National Register of Historic places, it is the beauty of our sanctuary that people most remember. Within you will find eight two story gorgeous stained glass windows depicting scenes from the bible. Two windows installed recently were designed by our pastor featuring women of the bible—one featuring the Prophet Miriam and the second the Samaritan Woman at the Well with Jesus. The image of this Jesus is distinctively a person of color as he was a Palestinian Jew from the region of Galilee.
Historic Tours
You are welcome to join us for our Historic Tours of First Congregational Janeville UCC