WINDOWS OF GOD’S WORLD A photographic portrayal of the stained-glass windows in Montgomery, Alabama’s First United Methodist Church by Billy Howard
FIRST UNITED METHODIST
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Published by Southland Image, LLC Montgomery, Alabama 2021 4
WINDOWS
WINDOWS OF GOD’S WORLD A photographic portrayal of the stained-glass windows in Montgomery, Alabama’s First United Methodist Church by Billy Howard Featuring the Photography of Luke Lucas FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
1
Foreword
Billy Howard first conceived the idea for Windows of God’s World (2002) from a desire to share the unusual nature of our stained-glass windows. He created the book out of love for his church, and a desire to share the knowledge in the windows with the congregation. In June 2020, a long-awaited opportunity to republish Windows of God’s World with the benefit of modern-day photographic equipment arose. Scaffolding was installed throughout the sanctuary, up to the highest ceiling, as part of the new organ installation project. The scaffolding provided access to images that could not be photographed for the first edition of this book. Mr. Luke Lucas, a photographer and church member, was hired to photograph medallions in all church buildings with medallions.
Acknowledgements The second edition of Windows of God’s World was realized through the efforts of a team of church members who love First United Methodist and/ or knew and loved Billy Howard. Our appreciation goes to Rev. Jay Cooper, Senior Pastor, and Ed Reifenberg, Church Administrator, for advice and encouragement of this project. In the summer and fall of 2020, special arrangements were made for Luke Lucas to have access to all the stained-glass windows. Leslie Shannon, church and staff member, provided help with inventorying, identifying, and describing the medallions. She also researched and wrote the new chapter text, and served as executive editor. John Hunter Foshee, of Foshee Companies, provided accurate maps reflecting the 2020-2021 church renovations. Work area members Carol Ballard, Ellen Haulman, Ron Head, Hart and Leona Stemple and Tom Turley provided editorial and artistic advice. James Turner, church member and Southland Image LLC CEO, was instrumental in coordinating with Joe O’Donnell, designer. Library of Congress Control Number: 2021911967 ISBN Number 978-1-63944-083-2 First Edition, 2002. Published by LARKIN EDITIONS, Montgomery, Alabama. Second Edition, 2021. Published by Southland Image, LLC, Montgomery, AL. Printed in South Korea ii2
WINDOWS OF GOD’S WORLD
WINDOWS OF GOD’S WORLD F
or over 4,000 years we have tried to describe, explain
and relate our experiences and encounters with God. Early prophets, scribes and writers have recorded many accounts confirming our Lord’s response to our needs in the Bible. We have attempted to display some of these events in the windows of our church. The most prominent display is in the window over the church entrance portraying Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, who inspired the first four books of the New Testament. The center figure, elevated, portrays Jesus. The upper windows in the sanctuary or the clerestory represent the incidents in the Old Testament, which were recorded before Christ. The lower windows, those at eye level, depict New Testament events which are Christ-inspired stories. All of these windows graphically and symbolically represent God’s message of love and caring. They are windows of God’s world.
Dedication This second edition is dedicated to Billy Howard, who first recognized the treasure of FUMC’s stained-glass windows, and found a way to share this treasure with the congregation through his book, Windows of God’s World.
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1
Table of Contents I. Sanctuary 3
II. Clerestory 17
III. Education * Building Ground Floor 37
IV. Education Building Upper Floor 45
V. Wesley Hall Main Floor 55
VI. Wesley Hall Upper Floor 63
VII. Small Christian Symbols 71
VIII. Acknowledgements and Sources 78
* The original name of the building until 2017, when it was changed to Children’s Building. The original name is retained here to maintain consistency with the alphanumeric nomenclature of the first edition.
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Chapter I Sanctuary
T
he Sanctuary and Education Building windows were designed by Mr. Alfred W. Klemme, a German Lutheran who founded High Point Glass and Decorative, Inc., in High Point NC. Apprenticed in the art at age 13, he grew to become one of only four recipients of the Lifetime Achievement award from the Stained Glass Association of America. Despite designing windows around the world, as far away as the Belgian Congo, he has stated that from a personal standpoint of achievement, he is most proud of the First Methodist Church windows in Montgomery. In addition to the beautiful design and workmanship of these windows, they are unusual in another way. The Sanctuary, or auditoriumlevel floor of the Sanctuary building, has medallions at eye level depicting New Testament stories and concepts in approximate Biblical order. Stories and events of the Old Testament are shown in order in the clerestory (upper) level. The presentation order of the medallions in this edition follows the same order used in the original publication. After first viewing the balcony stairwell symbols, the medallions are presented in clockwise order, starting at the rear
end of the left aisle, facing the chancel. When the aisle ends (with the peacock medallion), the south entrance and south transept medallions are shown next. Cross over to the north transept, the north entrance, and then down the north aisle to the narthex area to complete the circuit of Sanctuary-level, New Testament medallions. Symbols of God’s gifts, sacrifice, resurrection, and different types of crosses are presented in the aisles, entrances, and transepts. Prior to 1987 renovations, medallions of the four gospels faced each other at each end of the narthex. With the addition of the passageway to Fellowship Hall from the southeast end of the Sanctuary, Saints Matthew and Mark were rotated 90 degrees, and two new medallions were added depicting Jesus’s arrival in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, and Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. (Shenandoah Studios of Stained Glass, Inc. of Front Royal VA designed these.) The Sanctuary-level map on the next page identifies the windows by their location, and also provides a legend to understand all subsequent maps. The original alphanumeric identification system used in 2002 is maintained in this edition. FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3
WESLEY HALL
CHANCEL
TRANSEPT
TRANSEPT S S- 10 S S- 9
S S S S S
SOUTH ENTRANCE
NAVE
S S- 6 S S- 5
S N- 15 S N- 16
S S- 4 S S- 3
S N- 17 S N- 18
GARDEN
S SE ENT- 3 S SE ENT- 4
S S- 1 S S- 2
FELLOWSHIP HALL
NORTH ENTRANCE
S N- 19 S N- 20 S N- 21 S N- 22
NARTHEX S SE ENT- 1 S SE ENT- 2
1 2 3 4 5
S N- 13 S N- 14 Aisle
Aisle
S S- 8 S S- 7
ENTENTENTENTENT-
COLUMBARIUM
BREEZEWAY
S SW ENT- 1 S SW ENT- 2
NW NW NW NW NW
S N- 11 S N- 12
N SS STAIR
SS STAIR EAST ENTRANCE
Sanctuary Key to Windows This book starts at the front doors of the Sanctuary and follows clockwise around at eye level. Follow the south clerestory above, then cut across to the back of the Sanctuary and follow the north clerestory windows to keep them in chronological order. Go up in the tower, then move to the Duffey Chapel on the ground floor of the Education Building. Upper floor circuit of the Education Building begins at Park Avenue stairwell. Follow with Wesley Hall main floor counterclockwise, go up the south stairs and follow Wesley Hall upper floor. Sanctuary – S
Education Bldg Upper Floor – EBU
Clerestory – C
Wesley Hall Main Floor – WHM
Tower – T
Wesley Hall Upper Floor – WHU
Entrance – ENT
North – N
East – E
Education Bldg Ground Floor – EBG
South – S
West – W
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Fleur de Lis–Symbol of the Trinity. (S S- Stair)
Jesus entering Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Symbol of triumph. (S SE- ENT- 1)
Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. Symbol of humility. (S SE- ENT- 2)
The crown and authority of God. (S N- Stair)
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 5
Saint Matthew. (S SE- ENT- 3) 6 WINDOWS OF GOD’S WORLD
Saint Mark. (S SE- ENT- 4) FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 7
From God, represented by the star, comes the ray through earth bringing Christ to all. (S S- 1)
Christ the good shepherd. Jesus, the Christ. (S S- 2)
Grapes, bread and leaves. Symbol of the last supper and Holy Communion. (S S- 3)
Lantern (light) rays surrounded with thirty pieces of silver paid Judas for the betrayal of Jesus. (S S- 4)
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Crown of thorns with three nails. INRI-Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. (S S- 5)
Pelican feeding her young with her own blood. The sacrifice of Jesus. (S S- 6)
Phoenix rising from the flame. Symbol of resurrection. (S S- 7)
Peacock sheds his feathers only to have them replaced with a more beautiful plumage. Resurrection. (S S- 8) FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 9
Sheaf of wheat. God’s gift of thanksgiving. (S SW- ENT- 1)
The Holy Bible surrounded by the light of God. God’s gift of the Word. (S SW- ENT- 2)
Christ, the rock of ages. (S S- 9)
Cornucopia, the bounty of God. (S S- 10)
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Bethlehem, birthplace of Christ. (S N- 11)
Bursting pomegranate. Immortality, resurrection of our Lord. (S N- 12)
Scroll of seven gifts of Old Testament: wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, righteousness, and fear. (S NW- ENT- 1)
Scroll of seven gifts of New Testament: virtue, divinity, wisdom, might, honor, glory, and blessing. (S NW- ENT- 2) FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 11
Flaming torch and olive wreath. Life and peace. (S NW- ENT- 4)
Cross and crown. Christ’s promise of life after death. (S NW- ENT- 3) 12 WINDOWS OF GOD’S WORLD
Butterfly. Symbol of return of life. (S NW- ENT- 5)
Manus Dei. The regal hand of God offered. (S N- 13)
Descending dove bringing the cross down to all. (S N- 15)
Lamb of God standing with victory banner. Jesus, the Christ. (S N- 14)
Seven-fold flame. Gifts of God. (S N- 16) FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 13
Greek ornamental cross. Jesus Christ, victor. (S N- 17)
Sailboat with cross mast. Take Christ to all the world. (S N- 19)
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Single light with inscription, “The light shines in darkness and darkness comprehends it not.” (S N- 18)
Cross patée. Four Gospels. (S N- 20)
Saint Luke. (S N- 21) FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 15
Saint John. (S N- 22) 16 WINDOWS OF GOD’S WORLD
Chapter II Clerestory
Saint Matthew
W
indows high above the side aisles of the nave are known as clerestory windows, whose purpose is to provide the chief source of light to the nave. Clerestory derives from French words meaning “clear” and “built.” In our Sanctuary and in this chapter, the front balcony window, nave windows, and the rose window are considered to be at the clerestory level. The artistic genius of the front balcony window, our most magnificent window in detail and theme, is best illustrated in Mr. Klemme’s own words, in a letter to Mrs. Lessie Mae Stone dated December 12, 1951:
Saint Mark
“I would like to have a picture of this [the balcony window] since we did not have a designs, etc. (I just went to it and took the burden on my own shoulders and made this window the way I wanted it.)” Detailed images of the Lamb of God, two seraphim, and Alpha and Omega symbols, all located in the uppermost areas of the balcony window, are newly presented in this second edition. This opportunity arose by having scaffolding all the way to the ceiling-and having a courageous photographer! The nave has seven windows on each side, with two medallion panels within each limestone window frame. Twenty-eight medallions depict Old Testament events in order, beginning with the Creation, shown in panel C S-1 in the southeast corner of the nave. After studying the Rose window, high on the west wall (C W-1), return to the northeast corner of the nave (see arrow on map) to complete the Old Testament depictions in order, from the narthex to the chancel area. Six more medallions are found in the Tower Room. Legend has it that during the 1987 window restorations, when protective coverings were applied to the outside of the windows, Billy Howard identified that the minor prophets in the Tower windows were out of order, and personally paid for the panels to be switched to achieve proper chronological order. Until 1950, an additional medallion existed in the narrow stairwell to the Tower Room. On the left wall before the first landing is reached, there was a small window depicting the Lamp of Knowledge. Unfortunately, a deaf thief destroyed the glass to reach inside and get the money from communion contributions. The window was destroyed beyond repair and was just a pile of red glass.
Saint Luke
Saint John CHURCH 17 FIRST UNITED METHODIST
C W- 1
T W- 1 T W- 2
T N- 1 T N- 2
TOWER C S- 14 C S- 13
C N- 28 C N- 27
C S- 12 C S- 11
C N- 26 C N- 25
C S- 10 C S- 9
C N- 24 C N- 23
C S- 8 C S- 7
C N- 22 C N- 21
C S- 6 C S- 5
C N- 20 C N- 19
C S- 4 C S- 3
C N- 18 C N- 17
C S- 2 C S- 1
BALCONY
T E- 1 T E- 2
C N- 16 C N- 15
C BALCONY 1 through 6
Clerestory 18 WINDOWS OF GOD’S WORLD
N
Matthew, Mark, Jesus, Luke, John. (C BALCONY - 2 - 6) FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 19
The Lamb of God, Agnus Dei, with banner of victory, standing on the Book of Seven Seals. (C BALCONY - 1)
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The Lamb of God.
Seraphim, with six wings: praise to our Lord.
Alpha and Omega: Christ the Beginning and the End. FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 21
Saint Matthew holding the open Book of Promise. Below, the dolphin, the most kingly of swimming creatures. (C BALCONY- 2)
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Saint Mark holding the Book of the Gospel. Below, shield and quill with scroll “Peace be with you.” (C BALCONY- 3)
Enlargement of the top and bottom portions of the Jesus panel in balcony window. Above, Triangle of fishes, just above the Christ, the Trinity. Below, symbol of Christ, His promise, love and sacrifice.
“Peace I give unto you.” Jesus, right hand raised in promise, left hand offering the chalice of the holy sacrament. Turn to page one for a detail of the window’s Jesus figure. (C BALCONY- 4)
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Saint Luke holding the open Gospel. Below, palette and brush symbolize that he is the patron saint of artists. (C BALCONY- 5)
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Saint John holding the open book. Below, chalice with snake indicates the unsuccessful attempt to poison him. (C BALCONY- 6)
Triangle in circle. In Hebrew: Adonai – God the creator. (C S- 1)
Serpent coiled around tree in the Garden of Eden. Fall of Man. (C S- 2)
Flaming sword. Expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden. (C S- 3)
Dove with sprig of olive branch indicating to Noah the flood waters had receded. (C S- 4) FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 25
Sun, moon and 12 stars. Promise to Jacob, his wife and his 12 sons. (C S- 5) 26 WINDOWS OF GOD’S WORLD
Symbolic of Abraham’s call to offer his son Isaac as sacrifice. (C S- 6) FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 27
Chain and scepter. Joseph’s rise from slave to ruler. (C S- 7)
Ten Commandments. Duty to God/Duty to man. (C S- 9) 28 WINDOWS OF GOD’S WORLD
Burning bush. Moses’ call to service. (C S- 8)
Moses’ staff coiled with snake. Overcoming the wilderness. (C S- 10)
Old Testament’s Ark of the Covenant. (C S- 11)
Seven-branched candlestick. The seven gifts of the Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, righteousness, and fear. (C S- 13)
Fruit from the land of Canaan brought by the 12 spies of Moses. (C S- 12)
Old Testament sacrifice of lamb offering on altar. (C S- 14) FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 29
A rose window is an iconic element of Gothic architecture. Our window conveys meaning through the symbolism of the limestone tracery and stained-glass shapes (circles, quatrefoils, trefoils and triangles) and the stained-glass colors. In Mr. Klemme’s own words: “This rose window is a Stained Glass decorative window, Can you appreciate this at very hour of the day with its different colors changing every hour?” Close observation may also reveal seasonal color changes, believed to be due in part to the sun’s location and seasonal humidity changes. Circles represent eternity, and nine limestone circles may be traced in the rose window. 30 WINDOWS OF GOD’S WORLD
Quatrefoils represent the Four Evangelists, and four quatrefoils are observed in the window. Trefoils and triangles, found in both glass and stone, stand for the Trinity. The four small yellow squares of glass in the window’s center are perhaps the oldest glass in any window on campus. In 1891, when Mr. Klemme apprenticed at age 13, it was already in his old boss’s inventory. He asked permission to use it in our rose window when he was designing and installing it in the late 1930’s. Within these four yellow squares, an orange flower with seven petals can now be observed. Seven is considered the perfect number and typically refers to the Seven Gifts of the Spirit as found in the Old and New Testaments.
Rose window above altar. (C W- 1)
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Joshua attacks Jericho with trumpet and sword. (C N- 15)
Samson destroys Philistine temple, though blinded. (C N- 17) 32 WINDOWS OF GOD’S WORLD
Gideon’s surprise attack on the Midianites. (C N- 16)
David’s harp. (C N- 18)
Tower of David. (C N- 19)
Tree of Jesse. (C N- 20)
Solomon, the king. (C N- 21)
Elijah. Flaming chariot. (C N- 22) FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 33
Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit and received two heads of knowledge. (C N- 23)
Hand behind scroll with wand. “Both great and small shall die.” (C N- 25) 34 WINDOWS OF GOD’S WORLD
Tongs with live coals, saw and scroll. “Make you clean, cease to do evil.” (C N- 24)
Ezekiel. Closed east gate. (C N- 26)
Daniel. For not following the king’s orders, he was put in lions’ den to die, but survived. (C N- 27)
A towering flame representing the minor prophets. (C N- 28)
St. Thomas. Ordered to build a palace for the king of India, instead gave help to needy and was killed. (T E- 1)
Branch of fig tree on shield. St. Bartholomew: Called Nathaniel by some. (T E- 2) FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 35
Cross on shield. St. Andrew was crucified, but not on an upright cross. (T W- 1)
Three shells on shield. Symbol for St. James’s pilgrimage. (T W- 2)
St. John. Chalice of poison given him produced a snake, so he did not drink. (T N- 1)
St. Phillip. A carpenter’s square on a slender cross. (T N- 2)
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Chapter III Education Building Ground Floor
T
he Education Building (recently renamed Children’s Building) largely has medallions illustrating New Testament themes and stories, but the order of presentation is not precise. Unlike the Sanctuary and Wesley Hall, in which medallions are presented in thematic or chronological order, no consistent order can be discerned in the Education Building. Major events in the life of Christ are shown, from the Annunciation to Christ in Emmaus blessing the bread and wine with two disciples. Themes of Jesus healing, teaching, and blessing others are also emphasized. For the most part, the ground floor contains medallions depicting events of Jesus’ life when he was twelve years old or younger. The presentation order, depicted on the map on the following page, is clockwise, beginning in the Chapel. First are the medallions on exterior windows; then come the windows with medallions that look out to the garth. Window EBG-17 has a wonderful story of “reunion.” In the Reception Room facing the garth,
two medallions are shown (EBG-17A and EBG17C) which were not in the first edition of this book. Because of earlier alterations and renovations to this building, the “Woman at the well” and “Jesus, the good shepherd” medallions had been removed and placed in storage when the first edition was prepared. In 2013 they were “rediscovered” and restored by Salem Stained Glass Inc. of East Bend, NC. After restoration they were mounted in their original 1930’s positions relative to 17B “Behold. I stand at the door and knock.” Windows EBG-6 – “Jesus heals the child” and EBG-7 – “Jesus blesses the little children” were originally designed as and functioned as windows until 2021. As part of the 2020-2021 campuswide renovations, and for security reasons, a single main entrance was installed at this location. Fortunately, these beautiful medallions were incorporated into the new double doors welcoming the children into their building. FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 37
EBG 8
EBG 10 EBG 9 OFFICE
EBG 11
EBG 6 EBG 7 EBG 5
EBG 12
EBG 16 EBG 15
EBG 4
EBG 14
EBG 13
GARTH
EBG 17A EBG 17B EBG 17C TO SANCTUARY
TO SANCTUARY
DUFFEY CHAPEL
EBG 3
EBG 2
N
EBG 1
Education Building Ground Floor 38 WINDOWS OF GOD’S WORLD
Jesus blessing Mary Magdalene. (EBG- 1)
“He is not here.” (EBG- 2)
Christ in Gethsemane praying “Thy will be done.” (EBG- 3) FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 39
The Annunciation. (EBG- 4)
Visit of the wise men to Mother and Child. (EBG- 5)
Jesus heals the child. (EBG- 6)
Jesus blesses the little children. (EBG- 7)
40 WINDOWS OF GOD’S WORLD
Christ the light of the world. (EBG- 8)
Pelican feeding her young with blood from her own breast. The sacrifice of Jesus. (EBG- 10)
Phoenix rising from the ashes of humility and mourning. Resurrection. (EBG- 9)
Passion flower. (EBG- 11)
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The Nativity. (EBG- 12)
Birth of Christ, the annunciation to shepherds by angel. (EBG- 12)
Guardian angel guiding the steps of children. (EBG- 12)
42 WINDOWS OF GOD’S WORLD
David’s harp with symbol of lion. (EBG- 13)
The Trinity. (EBG- 15)
Father, Son, Holy Spirit. “Holy, holy, holy.” (EBG- 14)
Butterfly. Symbol of rebirth. (EBG- 16)
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Behold, I stand at the door and knock. (EBG- 17B)
The woman at the well. (EBG- 17A) 44 WINDOWS OF GOD’S WORLD
Jesus, the good shepherd. (EBG- 17C)
Chapter IV Education Building Upper Floor
T
Saint Matthew
he medallion order of presentation remains clockwise, but the starting point is the stairwell in the west wing that faces Park Avenue. After circling around the exterior windows, the alphanumeric system continues inside the garth, and then jumps to the former Tower Class room and the Sunday School room behind it. There is no discernable order in these medallions, but many symbols of resurrection and events in Christ’s life are depicted. Images of parables are shown, along with a few of the disciples. Two Old Testament medallions are includedTablets of the law: The Ten Commandments (EBU-10) and the Old Testament Gifts of the Spirit (EBU-20). The only situation on campus where medallions are used more than once occurs with the scrolls of seven gifts of the Old and New Testaments. In each location they are shown sideby-side. Coincidentally, each location, although originally constructed as an exterior wall, is now an interior wall. Therefore, it is difficult to see the details of these medallions. One pair is located in the Sanctuary’s north transept, while the other pair is in the former Tower Class room, facing the garth. Of particular interest are the medallions in the room behind the former Tower Class room, which faces Park Avenue. This room has two windows (two medallions each) on opposing walls, with a fireplace in the wall between. These four medallions depict the four gospels. The symmetry displayed here was also originally displayed in the narthex (before the 1987 alterations), and the symbolism is also mimicked. Compare: S S S S
Saint Mark
Saint Luke
SE-ENT-3 with EBU 26 – Saint Matthew, man or angel; SE ENT-4 with EBU 27 – Saint Mark, lion; N-21 with EBU 28 – Saint Luke, ox; and N-22 with EBU 29 – Saint John, eagle.
Finally, the same symbolism in the images to the right is taken from the top of each full-length gospel depicted on the front balcony window. See page 19 of Chapter II.
Saint John
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 45
ROOF OF PORTE CACHE EBU 7 EBU 8
EBU 5
EBU 9
EBU 10
EBU 6
EBU 4
EBU 11 EBU 12 EBU 13 EBU 15 EBU 14
EBU 18 EBU 19
EBU 3
EBU 16 EBU 17 ROOF OF WALKWAY
EBU 2
TOWER EBU 1 (STAIR)
EBU 20 EBU 21
EBU 29 EBU 28
EBU 22
N EBU 27 EBU 26
EBU 25 EBU 24
EBU 23
Education Building Upper Floor 46 WINDOWS OF GOD’S WORLD
Anchor on cross under crown. Hope of life eternal and salvation offered by God, King of all. (EBU- 1)
The women at the tomb guarded by an angel. “He has risen.” (EBU- 3)
Lamb of God on Book of Seven Seals. Agnus Dei. (EBU- 2)
Christ in Emmaus blessing the bread and wine offered by two disciples. (EBU- 4) FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 47
Jesus among the teachers in the temple. (EBU- 5)
Christ healing the sick. (EBU- 6) 48 WINDOWS OF GOD’S WORLD
Ship with cross banner taking Christ to all the world. (EBU- 7)
Abbreviation of Greek word for Jesus. (EBU- 8)
Chi Rho, Alpha and Omega: Christ, the Beginning and the End. (EBU- 9)
Tablets of the law: The Ten Commandments. (EBU- 10) FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 49
Christ and rich young ruler. (EBU- 11)
The good Samaritan. (EBU- 12)
Jesus in the home of Mary and Martha at Bethany. (EBU- 13)
50 WINDOWS OF GOD’S WORLD
Bursting pomegranate. Symbol of the resurrection. (EBU- 14)
St. Bartholomew, beheaded with a scimitar. (EBU- 16)
Seven gifts of the Spirit: power, riches, wisdom, strength, glory, honor and blessing. (EBU- 15)
Carpenter’s square, spear and four arrows. St. Thomas, missionary to India. (EBU- 17) FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 51
Open Bible with swords saltire, the word of God. St. Paul. (EBU- 18)
Gifts of the Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, righteousness, and fear. (EBU- 20) 52 WINDOWS OF GOD’S WORLD
St. Peter, the keys to the Kingdom, was crucified upside down. (EBU- 19)
Cross with crown of thorns and three nails. INRI-Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. (EBU- 21)
Gifts of the Spirit: virtue, divinity, wisdom, might, honor, glory, and blessing. (EBU- 22)
Seamless cloak with dice – the casting of lots for the coat of Christ. Passion. (EBU- 24)
Chalice and plate. The Lord’s Last Supper. (EBU- 23)
Pillar over Greek cross behind crossed scourges. Torture and passion. (EBU- 25) FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 53
St. Matthew, winged man or angel. Gospel emphasizes the humanity of Jesus. (EBU- 26)
St. Luke, winged ox. Emphasis on God’s word. (EBU- 28) 54 WINDOWS OF GOD’S WORLD
St. Mark, winged lion. Kingly display of Christ on earth. (EBU- 27)
St. John, winged eagle. He soars upward to display the divine nature of Jesus Christ. (EBU- 29)
Chapter V Wesley Hall Main Floor
B
y the time Wesley Hall was under construction in the mid-1990’s, Mr. A. W. Klemme’s grandsons had closed down his High Point, NC stained-glass studio. Therefore, the Subcommittee on Windows and Stonework of the Building Committee, chaired by Mrs. Helen Geesey, engaged Shenandoah Studios of Stained Glass, Inc. of Front Royal, VA to design the new medallions. The subcommittee gave “significant attention” to choosing the medallion topics and the types of stained glass, to blend with and complement the stained glass in the Sanctuary and Education Building. The subcommittee selected the main themes and the medallion themes for each room, reviewed draft renderings for historical accuracy, selected the wording for each medallion, and specified glass colors to match the Education Building. Many examples and revisions were sent to the stained-glass studio before final subcommittee approval. Elaborate windows, with beautiful stone tracery at the main floor north and south end, depict four “founding fathers” of Methodism in England and America. During the design phase, care was taken to match the colors and borders of the Sanctuary windows, to help tie the buildings together.
Because the building was named Wesley Hall, most medallions by design depict some aspect of Methodism, with medallions in each room illustrative of that general theme. The large Epworth Room is devoted to John and Charles Wesley, illustrating highlights of their lives. Their portraits are set in the elaborate north window, which the subcommittee specifically designed to match a window in the northwest corner of the Education Building. Medallions in the Epworth Room cover three aspects of John Wesley’s life, and depict Charles Wesley composing a hymn. Susanna Wesley, mother of 19 children, with 10 children surviving infancy, is featured in a room next to the elevator. Her commitment to education (of both her male and female children) is acknowledged with the medallion showing her teaching John. The room at the south end of the main floor is devoted to American Methodism. Thomas Coke and Francis Asbury, early pioneers and advocates of American Methodism, are depicted in the large windows with limestone tracery that match the windows at the building’s north end.
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 55
TO SANCTUARY WHM 2
WHM 1
WHM 3 NORTH STAIRS WHM 4
EPWORTH ROOM WHM 5
WHM 6
WHM 7
WHM 8 WHM 9
N WHM 10
WHM 11 WHM 12
SOUTH STAIRS
Wesley Hall Main Floor 56 WINDOWS OF GOD’S WORLD
John Wesley and Charles Wesley. (WHM 2,1) FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 57
John Wesley (WHM 2)
Charles Wesley (WHM 1)
John Wesley, an Anglican clergyman and evangelist, founded the Methodist movement in the Church of England, assisted by his brother Charles. He joined his brother in running the Holy Club, a religious study group, at Oxford University. From this small beginning came the Methodist emphasis on social services: attending to the poor, hungry, uneducated, and imprisoned. After his Aldersgate experience in 1738, John vigorously and earnestly focused on preaching the good news of salvation by faith, travelling widely as an itinerant preacher. During this time, he also strengthened the concept of small groups, which Methodists still use today. Although his own endeavors in North America were generally unsuccessful, he continued to support the growth of Methodism in the United States, including personally ordaining preachers to serve in the United States.
Charles Wesley was four years younger than his brother John and is best known as a prolific hymn composer. While at Christ Church College, Oxford, he and two other undergraduates started the Holy Club. He also became an English clergyman and helped his brother John start the Methodist movement in the Church of England. As a preacher, Charles was an effective advocate for the Methodist cause. His true gift as an evangelist was translating the gospel message into hymns. Of the 3,000 hymns he composed, one of the most familiar, “Love divine, all loves excelling” is depicted in medallion WHM-5.
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John Wesley: “All the world is my parish.” (WHM- 3)
Charles Wesley composing a hymn. (WHM- 5)
John Wesley’s Aldersgate experience. (WHM- 4)
John Wesley preaching to Native Americans. (WHM- 6) FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 59
John Wesley “a brand plucked from the burning.” (WHM- 7)
Susanna Wesley. (WHM- 8)
Susanna instructs John. (WHM- 9)
Lovely Lane Chapel. Baltimore, Maryland. (WHM- 10)
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Francis Asbury and Thomas Coke, the first bishops of Methodism. (WHM 12,11) FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 61
Francis Asbury (WHM– 12)
Thomas Coke (WHM– 11)
Francis Asbury, a humble local preacher from Staffordshire, England, answered John Wesley’s call to volunteer to serve in North America at age 26. Forsaking a home, wife, and family, he travelled an average of 5000 miles per year as a circuit rider, for an estimated total of 270,000 miles, growing the Methodist societies from three at his arrival to 412 at his death. The Lovely Lane Chapel in Baltimore was the birthplace of the American Methodist Episcopal Church in December 1784. Asbury insisted that the sixty other preachers gathered there elect him general superintendent rather than accepting an appointment from England. In 1785 he became the first bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church consecrated in America. He remained in America until his death.
Thomas Coke, born in Wales and ordained as an Anglican priest in 1772, formally became a Methodist five years later after getting to know John Wesley. Wesley appointed him as superintendent of the new North American missions and asked him to ordain and consecrate ministers in America. Thomas Coke became the first bishop of the Methodist Church in England and made nine trips to America to fulfill his episcopal office duties. His first trip was in 1784 for the organizational conference, where he met Francis Asbury. Known as John Wesley’s righthand man, he is also known as “The Father of Methodist Missions.”
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Chapter VI Wesley Hall, Upper Floor
T
he southern room on the upper floor is devoted to illustrating the Methodist commitment to youth and higher education, featuring Alabama institutions our church has long supported. Depictions of Birmingham-Southern College, Huntingdon College, and the United Methodist Children’s Home in Selma were developed from actual photographs the subcommittee supplied. Two members of the subcommittee drove to Birmingham-Southern College’s Munger Memorial Hall to ensure that the artist’s depiction was accurate with respect to building stone color, column details, and other architectural features. The remaining medallions on the second floor depict general Christian symbols, many of which can also be found in the Sanctuary and Education
Building. This repetition was intentional on the subcommittee’s part, as archival records indicate that the subcommittee sent photographs of sanctuary medallions to the studio for replication in Wesley Hall. Two examples are the Lamb of God, standing with the victory banner, and the sailboat with a cross mast – “Christ to all the world.” Most of the remaining medallions in the gym illustrate fruits of the spirit. One is unique. The official symbol of the United Methodist Church, the Cross and Flame medallion is the only medallion on campus that shows this symbol. This is because the other buildings were constructed before the symbol was adopted in 1968.
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ROOF OF WALKWAY WHU 12 WHU 13 WHU 11
WHU 14 WHU 15 NORTH STAIRS
WHU 10
WHU 9
GYMNASIUM
WHU 8
WHU 7
WHU 6
WHU 5 WHU 4
WHU 3
SOUTH STAIRS
N
WHU 2 WHU 1
Wesley Hall Upper Floor
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Birmingham–Southern College. Birmingham, AL. (WHU– 1)
Huntingdon College. Montgomery, AL. (WHU– 2)
United Methodist Children’s Home. Selma, AL. (WHU– 3)
Five loaves and two fishes. Feeding the multitudes. (WHU– 4) FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 65
The Word. (WHU– 5)
Cross and Flame. Symbol of the United Methodist Church. (WHU– 6)
Hope. (WHU– 7)
Faith. (WHU– 8)
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Peace. (WHU– 9)
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Love. (WHU– 10)
Descending dove. Holy Spirit. (WHU– 12)
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Praise. (WHU– 11)
The cup or chalice, grapes, and wheat. Symbols of the sacrament of Holy Communion. (WHU– 13)
Jesus, the lamb of God. (WHU– 14)
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Christ to all the world. (WHU– 15)
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Chapter VII Small Christian Symbols
“Q
uarry” is the architectural term for the small diamond-shaped panes of glass that make up the larger windows. Sprinkled throughout the diamond-shaped glass formed by the lead cames (grooved strips of lead holding the glass pieces together) are at least fifty unique Christian symbols. The exact number is not known, because only the ones at eye level and in the Tower were documented, with one exception. General topics the symbols cover include Christ, God, some of the disciples, and various types of crosses. The meaning of some symbols is commonly known, while the meaning of others, such as a windmill or a Rose of Sharon flower, are not as widely known. Names and symbolism presented here adhere to the names and symbolism used in Signs and Symbols (Stone, 1958, 1985). This publication should also be
consulted for a more complete explanation of the symbols’ meanings and locations. The symbols on pages 72 – 77 are arranged in clockwise order, beginning with the southeast breezeway windows containing the Saint Matthew and Saint Mark large medallions. They are then shown in order of appearance, walking down the left (pulpit side) aisle, south entrance, south transept, north transept, and then down the right aisle heading toward the narthex. After completing the circuit at eye level, head up to the Tower to see any symbols that have not yet been described. The final medallion on page 77, an upside-down Chi Rho, is not a publication error, but can be spotted in one of the south clerestory windows. Why it is placed in this fashion has remained a mystery. FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 71
Court Street Methodist Church: former house of worship of this congregation.
Eight-pointed star: regeneration or Holy Baptism.
Fleur de Lis: the Trinity.
Butterfly: the resurrection.
Ship with cross on sail: the church in her missionary work.
Fish: Icthus is the Greek word for fish.
Palm branches: victory, the Triumphal Entry.
IHS: abbreviation of IHSOYS, Greek word meaning Jesus.
Chi Rho (X and P) monogram: abbreviation of the Greek word XPICTOC meaning Christ. 72 WINDOWS OF GOD’S WORLD
Locust and leathern belt on shield: John the Baptist.
Olive branch: peace, concord, faith, healing.
All-Seeing Eye: the Father.
Chalice: faith and worship.
Two swords saltire (like an X) on shield: St. Paul.
Scimitar: St. Bartholomew.
Cruet, vessel for the wine of the Holy Communion: Holy Communion.
Scimitar on shield: St. Bartholomew.
Windmill on shield: St. James the Less.
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Olive wreath: Victory in duty.
Saltire cross on shield: St. Andrew.
Hand, superimposed upon rays of light from heaven: the Hand of God.
Shamrock: the Trinity.
Potent or Jerusalem cross: the spread of the Gospel.
Inverted cross on shield: St. Peter.
Hand with tri-radiant nimbus: God the Father.
Cymbals: music.
Battle-axe on shield: St. Matthew. 74 WINDOWS OF GOD’S WORLD
Chalice with viper: St. John, who escaped an attempt on his life with poisoned wine in a chalice.
Money bag: Judas Iscariot, who was the treasurer of the Twelve.
Banner with cross, on staff: triumph, the victory of Christianity.
Crown: the crown of life, referring to eternal life though our Lord Jesus Christ.
Alpha and Omega monogram: Christ, the Beginning and the End.
Upright torch: life; an admonition to Christians to “so let your light shine before men that they may glorify your Father…in heaven.”
Two crossed keys: St. Peter.
Fish impaled on boat hook on shield: St. Simon.
Crown, closed and arched: our Lord’s kingly office.
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Binding symbol in form of cross.
Rayed Latin cross: the resurrection.
Patriarchal cross with crossed keys: St. Peter.
Sun: the Sun of Righteousness, suggesting His illuminating power.
Pilgrim’s staff and purse on shield: St. James.
Lily in decorative form: purity; the Virgin; our Lord’s human nature.
INRI: abbreviation of the Latin inscription above the cross, Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.
Cross Fleurée or the Flowery cross because its arms end in petals: our Lord.
Potent or Jerusalem cross: the spread of the Gospel to the four corners of the earth. 76 WINDOWS OF GOD’S WORLD
Rose of Sharon: our Lord.
Cross with winding sheet: the death and burial of our Lord.
Cross, decorative: our Lord.
Crown, with Fleur de Lis, symbolizing Trinity.
Eye in triangle with rays: AllSeeing Eye of the Father.
Diamond in circle: carries the circle and fours in keeping with Gothic symbolism.
Upside-down Chi Rho (XP) monogram. FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 77
Sources Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc. September 5, 2020. Biography of Thomas Coke. Finley, Hoyt. Date unknown. A Self-Guided Tour of the Sanctuary. First United Methodist Church. Finley, Hoyt, Personal interview, December 15, 2013. High Point Enterprise (High Point, NC) May 22, 1960. “High Pointer of the Week A.W. Klemme” Stone, Lessie Mae, 1953 and 1985. Signs and Symbols First United Methodist Church. Wesley Hall dedication booklet, August 25, 1996.
Three stained glass crosses are found only in the Education Building gables. Both rooms under the gables were originally designed as chapels, so perhaps the architect, Mr. George Awsumb of Memphis, TN, wanted to add a little extra beauty to these rooms.
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