ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL
An informal tour of the Art of Saint Michael and All Angels
ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL Stained glass windows first adorned Christian churches in the 11th and 12th centuries. The windows served two purposes: 1) to provide beauty and light, and 2) to provide instruction for worshipers. At that time, very few people could read and the Bible and Mass were not yet translated into the vernacular. The windows were designed to tell stories drawn from scripture. Images always play a powerful role, not only as art but as vehicles of worship. Stained glass windows are either pictorial (as in Saint Michael Chapel) or symbolic (as in the Church nave). Such images are not inert; they encroach actively and vividly on the viewer. We are encouraged not merely to look but really to see our windows as an aid to meditation, stillness, prayer or even as in invitation to play “I spy� with a child, always with our eyes open to new revelation.
SAINT MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS CHURCH NAVE The Nave of the church, dedicated in September, 1961, was designed by Harwood K. Smith, who worked closely with the first Rector of the parish, The Rev. A.A. Taliaferro. Mr. Smith stated, “I will design a church that will do business with the past and do business with the future.” The result was a lofty, contemporary, basilica-style nave that seats about 700 people. Regional artists created a worship space that inspires both reverent awe with the cross and soaring angels on the reredos, and a sense of energy and motion in the abstract color symbolism of the brilliant windows. Fr. Taliaferro said, “You come into the church and know that something is going on.” The Stained Glass Windows The original stained glass windows adorn the north and south sides of the altar, the east end of the church behind the choir loft, and run along the top of the church’s north and south walls. They were designed by Cecil Casebier (1922 – 1996) and were created by the Orco Studio in San Antonio. Mr. Casebier, a well known painter and artist, designed windows for more than 400 churches, including the Lovers Lane and First United Methodist churches in Dallas. The windows in the Saint Michael nave and Bishop Moore Chapel represent our oneness with God, who with His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, is present with us throughout the ages. Incorporating the use of colors for a specific purpose, the windows tell the story of the Old and 14 8 7 New Testaments and the Church to the last day. The colors represent: 9
White: without shadow; the purity and perfection of God Red: the blood and the spirit of Jesus Christ Blue: the wisdom of the Holy Spirit Green: the growth of all living things Brown and Gray: the earth, matter Gold: illumination, God’s light and rule
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The Creation (1 – located behind the choir loft) White represents the purity and perfection of God the creator as powerful swirls brood in the lower right and, under the swirls, the brown tones of earth begin to appear. Everything in the window is motion; nothing is static. The red in the lower left corner denotes: “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The Story of Salvation The windows on the north side of the nave (2,3,4) depict the green of growing things as the breath of God brings life to the earth. Various patterns of color represent the Fall, the Flood, the promise to Abraham, Moses and the Law, and the coming of the prophets. The Birth of Christ Windows 5 and 6 portray the birth and life of Christ. The red becomes more prominent, representing the gospel narratives about His ministry of teaching, preaching, and healing. The Crucifixion The crucifixion of Christ is depicted in the large window on the north side of the nave (7). The red of Christ’s blood flows down toward the altar where the Eucharist is celebrated, “having in remembrance his blessed passion and precious death, his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension.” The Resurrection The resurrection is represented in the large window on the south side of the altar (8). Red, the blood of Christ, the redemption of creation, rises powerfully from the altar into this window. We are a new creation in the illuminating presence and purity of God, represented by the swirling lines of yellow and white. 3
The History of the Church Windows 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 depict the history of the church since the first Easter Day with colors representing human endeavors in philosophy, art, literature, science, economics, and social action. Full Circle Finally, the perfection of the Last Day and the Holy Trinity (three circles) are represented as we are returned to the Creation Window (1). The Columbarium Doors The stained glass doors in the church were created by renowned artist and parishioner Bart Forbes. They were commissioned to provide access to the new Nave Courtyard and Columbarium, and were installed in 2014. Forbes’ doors complement the original stained glass windows. The new doors represent the Holy Spirit, depicted by the traditional symbol of a dove, and red, the color most closely associated with the Holy Spirit.
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The Reredos: Saint Michael and the Arch Angels This serene and reverent tableau (14) was sculpted by Charles Umlauf, then a professor of Fine Arts at the University of Texas. He personally selected the marble in Cararra, Italy, had it shipped to Vermont for preliminary carving, then finished the figures in bas relief on the reredos. The four Arch Angels, Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and Uriel, who praise God continually, act as God’s messengers, protecting, judging, healing, and blessing us. Worship Center John Szymak, a Dallas silversmith and artist was the designer and craftsman of the aumbry, baptismal font, candlesticks, and pavement lights (15). The enamel inlay in the silver reflects the color symbolism in of the church’s windows. The sense of motion and abstract wing motif of the design complement the graceful reredos angels. Altar Rail Kneelers and Bench Cushions The Altar Rail kneelers and bench cushions (16) were designed by Keith Haralson. Twenty-five women of St. Martha’s Guild crafted and signed the kneelers which bear a unique design containing three white lines which connect each to the adjacent cushion. Abstract color patterns reflect the Casebier windows. The Acolyte and Priest Bench Cushions Created in 1998 and signed by the needle workers, the acolyte and priest bench cushions depict the symbols of eleven apostles, St. Paul, St. Michael, the Holy Eucharist, and the seal of the Saint Michael and All Angels parish. The four priest’s bench cushions bear the symbols of the four evangelists: Matthew, a winged man; Mark, a winged lion; Luke, a winged ox; and John, an eagle. The Church Organ The church organ was dedicated in October, 1985 in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the parish. It was built by the Schudi Organ Company with a sound and installation that visually complements the nave’s architecture. Special attention was given in its design to not obstruct the Creation Window. Neal Lacey was the architectural consultant and Dr. Paul Thomas was tonal consultant for the instrument. Its construction was made possible by a generous challenge gift by Ashley and Kathryn Priddy in memory of Ashley’s parents. The four manual, 68 stop organ contains thirty retained and reworked ranks from the church’s previous organ. The Positif de dos on the gallery railing was the first installed in Dallas. 5
THE SAINT MICHAEL CHAPEL The Saint Michael Chapel is the site for the original Saint Michael and All Angels Church. The original design was by Marion Fooshee of the architectural firm, Fooshee & Cheek. The 200 seat Austin stone sanctuary was built in traditional Gothic style, and although not completed until 1948, the congregation celebrated Easter of that year in the unfinished structure. The chapel’s exterior door is red, symbolizing salvation through Jesus Christ. The Chapel was restored and refurbished in 2002 and 2003. The Chancel Windows The windows over the altar were designed by Georgia McIntosh and crafted in the late 1940s at her studio in East Dallas. She had studied stained glass making since 1923 and chose final glass from Belgium and France, constructing the windows herself and painting faces and small details which were baked into the glass. The Center Panel, or Trinity Window, is dominated by the figure of the Risen Christ. Above is a symbol for God the Father – hand of the Creator. The Holy Spirit is represented by seven descending doves – the seven gifts of the Spirit. At the feet of Christ are symbols of Baptism and the Eucharist. The Shields of the Apostles are represented in the side window panels and in the needle work of the altar rail cushions. The window’s background evokes the 15th chapter of John’s gospel: “I am the vine; you are the branches.” The North Side Windows Seven windows whose center medallions depict events in the life of Christ, were designed at the Willet Stained Glass Studio (est. 1897) in Philadelphia. The sequence begins at the organ and moves toward the altar. The Annunciation – the angel Gabriel appears to Mary. The Magi– gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh are pictured. Jesus in the Temple – surrounded by 6
learned men with Mary gently chiding at his side. The Temptation – rocks for transformation into bread, the pinnacle of the Temple, and an earthly crown for earthly kingdoms. Wedding at Cana – jugs, attendants, Jesus, Mary, marriage symbols. The Commission – the globe, a baptismal shell, the Word. The Last Supper – Jesus sits at a table surrounded by his disciples. Judas, set apart and colorless, flees with a bag of money. The South Side Windows These eight windows, also designed at the Willet Studio, depict the Beatitudes, proclamations of blessing to those who aspire to live under God’s rule. Angels, the messengers of God, appear in each window with wings and unshod feet symbolizing swift readiness. Many hold objects suggesting their mission; adoration, judgment, justice, victory, and purity. The sequence begins in the Children’s Chapel and is completed in the Memorial Chapel. Blessed are the peacemakers – “and a little child shall lead them.” Blessed are the pure in heart; Blessed are the poor in spirit; Blessed are the merciful; Blessed are the meek; Blessed are the persecuted; Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Finally in the Memorial Chapel, Blessed are they that mourn – picturing the three crosses of Calvary and many crosses in the window’s border. The Resurrection Window The large window in the Memorial Chapel depicts the Risen Christ as Lord of interstellar space (Hymn 459). Anne Coke designed the window base on passages from Amos 5:8 and from Psalms 57: 10,11; 147: 3,4. 7
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He counts the number of the stars and calls them by their names.” Jesus holds an orb – “the whole world in his hands.” Of special interest are the angels with poly-chromed wings and the border of crosses, echoing the adjacent Beatitude window. Local stained glass artist John Kebrle executed the design and the pair also collaborated on windows for the Children’s Chapel and the archival space. The Children’s Chapel Anne Coke chose the theme of Jesus and the children with His words “Suffer the little children to come unto me.” Jesus sits with a child on his lap surrounded by all sorts of children (one in a Saint Michael school uniform) and their pets. A palm tree reminds the viewer of the hosannas at Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem followed by His rejection and betrayal. The sycamore tree represents the story of Zaccheus, a small man honored by Jesus. The presence of two guardian angels provides comfort and security. “For he shall give his angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. They shall bear you in their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone.” Psalm 91: 11, 12. The Legacy Room The Legacy Room is a passageway from the driveway into the Memorial Chapel. One wall displays a picture gallery of significant photographs and memorabilia of parish history. The two Kebrle stained glass windows were designed by Anne Coke to be “read” left to right. The Saint Michael window pictures Fr. Talliaferro, shovel in hand, at the church’s groundbreaking, as well as the Chapel and the Church. Saint Michael the Archangel hovers above holding a cross. The inscription reads, “Praise Him in His Holy Temple (Psalm 150).” The All Angels window on the right depicts angels ascending with the instruments of praise. “Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord (Psalm 150.)” These companion windows imply the name of the church and affirm a common duty to praise God in His holy places with angels, archangels and all the company of heaven.
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The Angel Doors and City of Jerusalem Parishioner Bart Forbes designed the doors representing the Arch Angel Michael, and the herald and guardian angels which frame the narthex and lead into the Memorial Chapel. The relief effect was created by the use of a special sculpted slump glass technique at the Stanton Glass Studio in Waco. The City of Jerusalem arched windows over the chapel entrance were designed by Forbes based on a passage from Revelation 22: 1-6. The scene depicts the holy city, Jerusalem, with the river of the water of life bright as crystal, the tree of life, and Christ as the Lamb. “The throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; they shall see his face, and his name shall be on their foreheads.� The Organ The Saint Michael Chapel pipe organ was designed and built by Orgues Letourneau Limitee of Quebec, Canada and designated Opus 84 by the company. It is played from an attached console controlling 15 stops and almost 1,000 pipes. Made from solid red oak wood, the organ has pipes that are made from a 70 percent tin alloy and hand polished. The pipes, built to exacting specifications, were tuned by a team of voicers who spent more than two months working to perfect the sound of each one.
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OTHER SIGNIFICANT ART The Bishop Harry Tunis Moore Memorial Chapel The chapel was named for the Bishop of Dallas when the mission which was to become Saint Michael and All Angels Church was founded in 1945. It was the Bishop’s last mission established during his twenty year tenure. The altar candlesticks, bearing bishop’s crosiers, were given by Peter Wiggins, Jr., in honor of Bishop and Mrs. Moore. Their daughter, Reeme Moore Rogers, supervised the design. Above the door hangs a triumphant Christus Rex, crafted in England, which was commissioned by The Women of Saint Michael in memory of Beth Smalling Henning, wife of the church’s third Rector. Revelation The sculpture, Revelation, by Harold Fooshee Clayton, grandson of Saint Michael’s architect Marion Fooshee, was carved from a 2,400 pound block of Georgia marble. It was dedicated in 1979 in thanksgiving and in memory of the family and friends. It’s oval shape recalls the helmet St. Michael wore as captain of the angel host, and it also resembles an egg, with its connotations of birth. St. Francis - Josset The massive concrete statue of St. Francis in the Garden Cloister was created by acclaimed artist Raoul Josset for parishioners Pauline and E.J. Muth in 1955. It remained in the gardens of their home until 1999 when it was given to the church by the family. The artist, Josset, created works that are in public places around the world. He came to Dallas in 1936 where he created the statue Spirit of the Centennial and several other works in Fair Park. St. Francis – Umlauf The statue of St. Francis, found in the garden just off the church Parlor, was created by Charles Umlauf who sculpted the angels in the reredos in the Church. The St. Francis statue was created in 1958 and was given by The Rose Wheaton Beard Memorial Fund and dedicated in 1964.
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The Madonna and Child The wooden statue of The Madonna and Child is found just inside the left wall of the Children’s Chapel. It was given in memory of William Hutchinson in 1969 by his widow, Mary Jane Hutchinson and the couple’s four children. The Carillon Tower Bells The 19 tower bells were cast in bronze in England and dedicated in 1996 and 2001. They are controlled by a keyboard in the choir loft. Each bell has its own name: Archangel, Blessing, Creator, Faith, Family, Freedom, Friendship, Glory, Grace, Hope, Joy, Kingdom, Love, Mission, Reconciliation, Savior, Spirit, Tidings, and Wisdom.
There are other beautiful paintings, sculptures, and works of art throughout Saint Michael and All Angels Church. Be on the lookout for them and enjoy.
Photography courtesy of Ray Hand 11
Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church 8011 Douglas at Colgate Dallas, Texas 75225-0385 214-363-5471 saintmichael.org