East Windows

Starting with the window group farthest from the altar, three top and three bottom, use as their theme Advent or Prophecy, i.e., the foretelling of the coming of Christ. The upper center panel shows a modernistic star descending to meet the branch from the Tree of Jesse. The Old Testament prophecies that the anointed of the Lord shall come from the stem of Jesses, or the house of Jesse, the father of David. At the top of the left window begins a sweeping train of light that reveals, in the center window, the Natal Star, descending from heavenly places. In the right window of this upper group are two tree shapes. The lower group of three windows tie together the old and new testaments in regard to the prophecy and coming of Christ. The center lower window portrays a lion, holding in his hands a lamb. The lion is the Lion of Judah, encompassing the small anima, the Lamb of God, Christ, who takes away the sins of the world. What is promised and foretold in the Old Testament by the prophets and symbolized by the tables of stone with the Roman numerals in the right lower window is now fulfilled in Christ (symbolized in the left lower portion of this window by the Cross). Also, the word “Prophecy” is in this window.

The next set of six windows, closer to the altar on the wall, deal with the Nativity and Epiphany. In the set of three upper windows, the center one has at its top a modernistic star symbolizing the Natal Star, and surrounding it are wings of the heavenly host. Towards the middle of this window are the forms of lily petals, the symbol of the Virgin Mary. Also, a Chiro Rho, in the form of a cradle to signify the birth of Christ. In the lower portion of this center window are the head and horns of an ox. In the window to the right in this upper group, toward the middle, is the form of an ass representing the animal that Mary rode to Bethlehem. The lower group of windows shows the three crowns of the Wise Men. The colors are gay and bright, portraying the joy and happiness of this season.

The next set of six windows, towards the altar, depict elements of the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the river Jordan. The upper three windows show a large shell-like symbol of baptism, and superimposed thereon is the dove, representing the Holy Spirit. Notice the outlined feathers and claws of the dove and its head circled in a halo. Water is the symbol used in this sacrament. It flows from the large shell (portrayed across the upper three windows) down into the lower left window and ends in the center one, which has the Chi Rho representing Christ. In the lower group, the window to the right has, in the upper portion, fur which was the garment of John. In the lower part of this window are three shells symbolizing John the Baptist.

The fourth set of six windows, closer to the altar on this wall, have the Crucifixion as their subject. Throughout them is the draped Cross topped by the letters INRI (Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum), Latin for ‘King of the Jews’. In the lower portion of the upper center window is the spear representing the piercing of Jesus on the Cross. Flowing from the wound is His blood caught by a chalice, emphasizing the Holy Communion. In the left window of this group, one nail is seen. The window to the right shows a sponge dipped in vinegar and hyssop offered to Christ to alleviate the physical suffering. In the center window of the lower group of three, a pair of dice is seen portraying the casting of lots for His robe. In the window to the right is the Cross of the two criminals executed with Jesus. The colors are dramatic and suggest the dark mystery and sorrow of the hour.

The fifth and final set of the East wall windows, closest to the altar, are about the Resurrection. In the center window of the lower three grouping is the Roman numeral III. This signifies that on the third day, Jesus shall arise from the dead. In the windows to the left and right are the spears of the guards who were called to stand as sentinels at the entrance of the tomb. Across the lower three windows begins a sweeping movement ending in the upper window grouping. The lower group shows the movement’s fluted wings. In the upper windows, the lower portion of the center one shows the halves of the stone, which was split asunder by this movement. The motion continues into the right window, upper portion, ending in the Chi Rho, the Christ symbol. The sweeping, upward thrust of this window group fills it with vitality and life.