Sanctuary

The floor plan of the Sanctuary is in the form of a cross (cruciform), and the twenty-six stained glass windows illustrate a single overall theme: God’s Covenant with his People. The clerestory (higher windows) and transept and balcony windows on the south wall depict the story of the Old Covenant as given in the Old Testament / Hebrew Bible.

The New Covenant begins with Jesus Christ as portrayed in the Chancel Window: Passion, Crucifixion and Resurrection [Information and photographs related to the Chancel Window is presented separately in the corner showcase to your left.]. The transept and balcony windows, beginning at the east end of the Sanctuary, give stories of the New Covenant as contained in the New Testament, beginning with the Book of Acts of the Apostles, and the clerestory windows (higher windows) continuing along the north wall highlight great leaders of the Christian Church, including Jerome, Augustine, St. Francis of Assisi, Martin Luther, John Calvin, and John Knox, among others.

MONTVIEW BLVD

DAHLIA STREET EUDORA STREET

SOUTH CLERESTORY WINDOWS

Depicting events from the Old Testament. Immediately to your right as you enter the sanctuary from the Narthex the four clerestory (or upper) windows along the south wall begin the story.

THE CREATION WINDOW

THE CALL OF ABRAM TO LEAVE UR OF THE CHALDEANS

“Now the Lord said to Abram: ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house in the land I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation...’” (Genesis 12:1-2a)

ISAAC BLESSES JACOB INSTEAD OF HIS OLDER SON, ESAU

“And he did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like his brother Esau’s hands; so he blessed him.” (Genesis 27:23)

TRACERY

The Creating Hand of God

GOD BREATHES THE BREATH OF LIFE INTO MAN

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1.1)

THE EXPULSION FROM THE GARDEN OF EDEN

“Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the Garden of Eden, to till the soil from which he was taken.” (Genesis 3:23)

THE EGYPTIAN CAPTIVITY WINDOW

THE CALL OF MOSES

While he is tending sheep with the burning bush in the background. (Exodus 3:1-12)

MIRIAM DANCING WITH A TAMBOURINE, REJOICING AFTER THE CROSSING OF THE RED SEA

“Then Moses and the people of Israel sang the song to the Lord, saying, ‘I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously.’” (Exodus 15:1)

TRACERY

Pyramid

JOSEPH SERVING HIS BROTHERS

Who have come to Egypt for food because of the famine in Palestine. (Genesis 42-45)

ISRAELITES AS SLAVES MAKING BRICK

“So they made the people of Israel serve with rigor, and made their lives bitter with hard service, in mortar and brick, and all kinds of work in the field.” (Exodus 1:13-14)

SOUTH CLERESTORY WINDOWS

Depicting events from the Old Testament. Immediately to your right as you enter the sanctuary from the Narthex the four clerestory (or upper) windows along the south wall begin the story.

THE COVENANT WINDOW

SAMUEL ANOINTING DAVID KING

“Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward.” (I Samuel 16:13)

DAVID BEING REBUKED BY NATHAN, THE PROPHET

For his adultery with Bathsheba and for the murder of her husband, Uriah. “Nathan said to David, ‘You are the man.’” (II Samuel 12:7)

TRACERY

The Ark of the Covenant

MOSES GIVING THE COVENANT TO THE PEOPLE

“Then he took the book of the covenant and read it in the hearing of the people.” (Exodus 24:7)

JOSHUA, IN A COAT OF MAIL, GETTING ROCKS FROM THE RIVER JORDAN TO BUILD AN ALTAR

This is the story of the crossing of the Jordan and the taking of the twelve stones out of the Jordan. The land will be divided into twelve areas for the twelve tribes. (Joshua 4:1-9)

THE PROPHETS’ WINDOW

AMOS, THE WALL AND A PLUMB LINE, SYMBOL OF JUSTICE

‘And the Lord said to me, ‘Amos, what do you see?’ And I said, ‘a plumb line.’ Then the Lord said, ‘Behold, I am setting a plumb line in the midst of my people Israel; I will never again pass by them.’” (Amos 7:8)

HOSEA REDEEMS HIS WAYWARD WIFE GOMER WITH A PURCHASE PRICE

“I will betroth you to me in faithfulness; and you shall know the Lord.” (Hosea 2:20)

TRACERY

Scrolls symbolizing writing of

ELIJAH IN DESPAIR IN A CAVE AFTER FLIGHT

Illustrations of rook and ray of sunshine. (I Kings 19:9-14)

JEREMIAH HAS BROUGHT THE CITY FATHERS OUT TO SEE THE DESOLATION THAT IS TO COME

He breaks the potter’s vessel and forecasts the fall of Jerusalem. (Jeremiah 19:10-11)

SOUTH TRANSEPT WINDOWS

Highlighted are some of the remarkable people of the Old Testament.

RUTH AND NAOMI

“Entreat me not to leave you or to return from following you; for where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16)

JONAH UNDER THE GOURD AT THE CITY GATE

“But when dawn came up the next day, God appointed a worm which attacked the plant, so that it withered.” (Jonah 4:7)

JOB UNDERGOING AFFLICTION WITH HIS THREE COMFORTERS

“Though he slay me, yet will I trust him.” (Job 13:15)

ISAIAH’S PROPHECY OF THE SUFFERING SERVANT

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him and with his stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5) The Isaiah window is the “transition window” that ties both the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) story with the New Testament (Christian story) together.

SOUTH BALCONY WINDOWS

Highlighted are some of the remarkable people of the Old Testament.

THE PROPHET ISAIAH

“... I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up.” (Isaiah 6:1-8)

THE PROPHET JEREMIAH

“I will put my law within them, and I will write it upon their hearts.” (Jeremiah 31:33)

THE PROPHET MICAH

“What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)

THE PROPHET EZRA READING THE SCROLL OF THE BOOK OF THE LAW

“And the ears of all the people were attentive to

NORTH CLERESTORY WINDOWS

Highlighted are history and saints of the Christian Church. (Beginning at the cross-aisle and moving toward the back of the nave.)

THE EARLY CHRISTIAN CENTURIES WINDOW

JEROME (340-429)

Doctor of the Church, Christian scholar. Translated Bible into the Latin Vulgate, still the official version of the Roman Catholic Church.

AUGUSTINE (354-420)

Bishop of Hippo, North Africa. Great theologian and author of many Christian classics including his Confessions and the City of God.

TRACERY

Ancient oil lamp, symbol of the light of the New Covenant

POLYCARP, GREEK BISHOP OF SMYRNA, SECOND CENTURY A.D.

Martyred at Smyrna 155 A.D. When urged to recant, he answered, “Eighty and six years I have served Him and He hath done me no wrong. How can I speak evil of my King who saved me?”

ATHANASIUS (298-373)

Patriarch of Alexandria. Defender of the faith at the Council of Nicaea, 325 A.D. Called the Father of Orthodoxy.

THE PREREFORMATION WINDOW

JOHN WYCLIFFE (1320-1384)

English scholar, preacher, and reformer. First translator of the Latin Vulgate Bible into English, an important landmark in the development of the Protestant movement.

JOHN HUS (1369-1414)

Bohemian preacher and reformer. Tried for heresy by the Council of Constance and burned at the stake. His martyrdom provoked a religious and political revolution in Bohemia.

TRACERY

The Open Bible

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI (1182-1226)

Son of a wealthy merchant who, after his conversion, led a very saintly life. His character was marked by humility, submission to poverty, and love of God’s created world. Founder of the Franciscan order of friars who traveled through Italy preaching the Gospel and working to pay for their simple needs.

PETER WALDO (DIED BEFORE 1218)

Wealthy merchant in southern France. In 1170 he took a vow of poverty, gave his wealth to the needy, and preached the simple faith and life he found in the teachings of Christ. Founder of the Waldensian movement and church.

NORTH CLERESTORY WINDOWS

Highlighted are history and saints of the Christian Church. (Beginning at the cross-aisle and moving toward the back of the nave.)

THE REFORMATION WINDOW

MARTIN LUTHER (1481-1546)

Great German leader of the Protestant Reformation. He is shown posting his Ninety-Five Theses on the door of the castle church, Wittenberg Saxony, October 31, 1517. This date is now taken as the beginning of the Protestant Reformation.

ULRICH ZWINGLI (1484-1531)

Swiss preacher and reformer. Killed in battle while serving as chaplain with Swiss forces revolting against Rome.

TRACERY

A Heart in the Hand – Calvin’s symbol of the Reformation)

JOHN CALVIN (1509-1564)

French Protestant reformer, scholar and teacher. Author of the Institutes of the Christian Religion, a masterly classic statement of Protestant theology. Along with Zwingli, he was founder of the reformed church movement, whose form of government was followed by the Presbyterian Church.

JOHN KNOX (1505-1572)

Scottish religious reformer and historian, and through him Calvinism was introduced into Scottish Protestantism. He is shown preaching to Mary Queen of Scots from his Edinburgh pulpit.

THE CHURCH AMERICAN AND UNIVERSAL WINDOW

JONATHAN EDWARDS

(1705-1758) American Calvinist preacher, theologian and metaphysician. One of the foremost philosophical minds in American Protestant movement.

THE CHURCH UNIVERSAL

Communion being served by an African-American to a European, a woman of India, and a North American. “This is my body.” (I Corinthians 11:24, Matthew 26:26, Mark 14:22, and Luke 22:19)

TRACERY

A shell on a book – symbol of

JOHN WESLEY (1703-1791)

English evangelical preacher and founder of Methodism. He believed that salvation is purely a matter of God’s saving grace and made this central to his preaching.

SHELDON JACKSON (1834-1909)

Pioneer American missionary in the West and in Alaska. He founded the earliest Presbyterian churches in a number of western states. Built by Jackson, the Presbyterian Church, Fairplay, Colorado, is seen in the background.

NORTH TRANSEPT WINDOWS

Highlighted are some of the stories of the New Testament.

APPOINTING THE DEACONS

“These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands upon them.” (Acts 6:6)

THE VISION OF PETER

“Truly I perceive that God shows no partiality.” (Acts 10:34)

PAUL WRITING IN PRISON

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)

THE ESSENCE OF THE NEW COVENANT

“There is one body ... one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6)

NORTH BALCONY WINDOWS

Highlighted are some of the stories of the New Testament.

THE DAY OF PENTECOST

Doves symbolizing the descent of the Holy Spirit and the flames of fire touching the heads. (Acts 2:1-4)

PETER PREACHING AT PENTECOST

“And Peter said to them: ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.’” (Acts 2:38)

THE STONING OF STEPHEN

“Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” (Acts 7:60)

THE CONVERSION OF PAUL ON THE DAMASCUS ROAD

“Who are you, Lord?” (Acts 9:1-9)

SOUTH AISLE WINDOWS

Designed as teaching windows for children. (Immediately to your right as you enter the sanctuary from the Narthex, the aisle windows along the south wall tell the story of the life of Jesus from his nativity to Peter’s confession in Matthew 16:16.)

THE NATIVITY OF JESUS WITH THE HOLY FAMILY AND SHEPHERDS

“For to us a child is born.” (Isaiah 9:6)

MARY AND JOSEPH AT THE CRADLE WITH THE THREE KINGS BEARING GIFTS

“They offered him gifts.” (Matthew 2:11)

MARY AND JOSEPH PRESENT THEIR BABY JESUS IN THE TEMPLE

They present a pair of turtledoves, and Simeon rejoices in the sight of Jesus. “Mine eyes have seen thy salvation.” (Luke 2:30)

THE BOY JESUS TALKING WITH THE MEN OF LEARNING IN THE TEMPLE

“Jesus increased in wisdom.” (Luke 2:52)

THE BAPTISM OF JESUS BY JOHN THE BAPTIST

“Thou art my beloved Son.” (Mark 1:11)

THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS

“He was tempted like as we are.” (Hebrews 4:15)

JESUS CALLS MATTHEW, THE TAX GATHERER, TO BE HIS DISCIPLE

“Follow me.” (Mark 2:14)

PETER’S CONFESSION

“You are the Christ.” (Matthew 16:16)

NORTH AISLE WINDOWS

Designed as teaching windows for children. The overall theme for the north aisle windows is Jesus’ ministry and teaching. (Beginning at the cross-aisle and moving toward the back of the nave.)

JESUS PREACHING IN THE SYNAGOGUE AT NAZARETH

“Today this scripture has been fulfilled.” (Luke 4:21)

JESUS AND THE CHILDREN

“Let the children come to me.” (Matthew 19:14)

THE PARABLE OF THE PRODIGAL SON

“My son was lost, and is found.” (Luke 15:24)

THE PARABLE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN

“And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29)

THE PARALYTIC MAN BEING LOWERED THROUGH THE ROOF

“Your sins are forgiven you.” (Luke 5:20)

JESUS HEALS BLIND BARTIMAEUS

“Your faith has made you well.” (Mark 10:52)

ZACCHAEUS, THE RICH TAX COLLECTOR, CLIMBS A TREE TO SEE JESUS

“Today salvation has come to this house.” (Luke 19:9)

JESUS AND THE RICH YOUNG MAN

“Sell what you have and give to the poor.” (Mark 10:21)

SANCTUARY CHANCEL WINDOW

The Chancel Window dominates the Sanctuary and depicts the passion, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. At the upper center of the window is the Triumphant Christ wearing a crown, and the final lancet in the window contains the Great Commission: GO YE INTO ALL THE WORLD. The other scenes are CHRIST ENTERING JERUSALEM, THE LAST SUPPER, CHRIST IN THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE, CHRIST BEFORE PILATE, THE CRUCIFIED CHRIST, THREE WOMEN AND AN ANGEL AT THE TOMB, DOUBTING THOMAS WITH HIS HANDS AT CHRIST’S SIDE. Shimmering in mosaic-like tones of red and blue by day, the window is uniquely designed to shower the congregation with equal beauty when the sun sets. As daylight fades, so do the colors. In their place, a gold-leaf screen emerges like a handsome curtain of gold, recounting the new vision until light breaks and colors return.

“Go Ye into

All the World”

The Great Commission

SANCTUARY CHANCEL WINDOW

CRUCIFIED CHRIST

CHRIST BEFORE PILATE TRIUMPHANT CHRIST THREE WOMEN AND AN ANGEL AT THE TOMB

THE LAST SUPPER DOUBTING THOMAS

CHRIST ENTERING JERUSALEM CHRIST IN THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE THE GREAT COMMISSION

SANCTUARY ROSE WINDOW

The Rose Window, cradled in the pipes of the organ at the west end of the sanctuary, is a focus for worshipers as they leave the sanctuary. Patterned in jewel tone colors, it is described as the Ecumenical Window; the ship at sea was a symbol of the early church used to communicate its mission in the world. In the center of the window is the Greek word oikoumene, translated as “the inhabited world.” The traceries on the east, north, south, and west suggest the New Jerusalem as described in the book of Revelation. Typically, a Rose Window in a church is generally high on the west wall, therefore the clear understanding of the story being told/shown in the stained glass is hard to see due to the height of the window. Rose Windows typically depicts a “tenant of faith” rather than a specific story of a person or an event. Montview’s Rose Window depicts the “tenant of faith” to “Go Out Into The World.”

THE INHABITED WORLD

SHIELDS OF THE FOUR EVANGELISTS

As you enter the sanctuary building from Dahlia Street (West side of the building) you pass through one of four doors, each containing one of the Gospel Windows: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. Each of the four Gospel writers has been, throughout the Christian era, characterized by a symbol indicating the thrust of that particular Gospel. These symbols have often been called the “Shields of the Four Evangelists.” These are the same symbols that are carved on the front panels of the pulpit, from which the Word of God is proclaimed by the minister and illuminated by the Holy Spirit in the act of preaching.

MATTHEW

Matthew is represented by the winged man signifying the human nature of Jesus.

MARK

Mark is represented by a lion’s head referring to the royal character of Jesus which Mark stresses – the lion is the king of beasts.

LUKE

Luke the winged ox as he emphasizes the sacrifice of Christ, the ox being an emblem of sacrifice.

JOHN

John an eagle, because his Gospel, like the eagle, soars to great heights in expressing the heavenly nature of Christ.