GladdenUP!

“Bless these windows shining bright,
Letting in God’s heav’nly light.”

The Stained Glass Art Windows of the Sanctuary of the Gladden United Presbyterian Church have been designed by the Hunt Stained Glass Studios, Inc. of Pittsburgh to tell the Story of the Life of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Upon entering the Sanctuary the 43 inch circular window in the Chancel Wall summons the worshipper to:

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke .upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Named the YOKE OF CHRIST, it features Our Lord Jesus Christ af­ter the Crucifixion and Resurrection whose upward glance to Heaven thus directs the viewer to the Source of Life. The wounds in his hands are visible, reminding us that as He lives after the Resurrection, so we too may have new life in him, the Source of Life Eternal.

The Window on the Left Front of the entranceway and porch at the front of the building is the BIRTH OF CHRIST Window. The star is the sign to all nations of the coming of Christ, the Messiah. God dwells among men in the flesh at Bethlehem. The snowflakes, water drawn heaven­ward, returns to earth in all of its beauty and pureness of design. God takes on the nature He has created and returns to earth in all innocence.

On the Right Front side of the entranceway is the window, located in the office area. It is the BIRTH OF THE CHURCH or PENTECOST Window. With mighty wind the parted flames appear, filling men with the Holy Spirit or Breath of God, which fills us with life anew. In turn these fearful men become courageous witnesses to Christ.

The front windows on the right and left side walls of the Sanctuary are on the Holy Communion Theme. During His Earthly Ministry, Our Lord performed the Miracle of the MULTIPLICATION OF LOAVES AND FISHES in order to feed the assembled multitude. (See Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:32-44; Luke 9:10-17; and John 6:1-13). Through Christ’s blessing (the Cross) the multitudes are filled with five loaves and two fish … a great sharing experience. This is depicted in the window at the front left of the congregation.

The front right wall window is THE LORD’S SUPPER Window. Christ shares Himself with all at the banquet of thanksgiving. He is the Bread of Life. The wine (grapes) becomes the blood of the New Covenant, poured out for the remission of sin. His followers drink from the Cup of Salvation, while the betrayer’s cup is overturned. Christ is recognized in the break­ing of bread.

The second two windows have the Baptism Theme. On the left wall is the BAPTISM OF CHRIST—WATER Window. The descending Dove is symbolic of the Holy Spirit—the love between the Father and the Son. The Message at the Baptism is repeated on the Mount of Transfiguration and proclaims; “this is my beloved Son, hear Him” (Mark 9:7). The shell symbolizes John the Baptist, the cousin of Jesus, who proclaimed about the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. (John 1:29). The Baptismal Waters give new life and Christ’s Mission in earth’s lifetime is a journey, symbolized by the ship upon the water.

Opposite this is the BAPTISM OF BLOOD or CRUCIFIXION Window. With the giving of His life on Mt. Calvary at the place called Golgotha, “the place of the skull,” Our Lord Jesus Christ lets flow the waters of Salvation, the Grace of God, to the four corners of the earth. The two streams depicted refer likewise to the “sorrow” and “Love” which flowed mingled down as well as the Blood and Body Fluid which poured forth from His wounded side on God’s Day of Triumph—Good Friday.

Christ’s RESURRECTION is depicted in the third window on the right outside wall of the Sanctuary. Christ rises again in all of life’s glory, triumphant over sin and death. The emblem used is the butterfly. The crocus is symbolic of this joyous occasion, since it is the first flower to bloom in the Springtime — the season of and for newness of life.

The ASCENSION Window at the rear of the Sanctuary on the outside wall depicts the Risen Christ forty days after the Resurrection, having led the disciples out to Bethany, who was parted from them being taken up in a cloud (Luke 24:50, 51 and Acts 1:9) ascending into heaven, while l gaze heavenward. From this kingdom Christ will return with great power and majesty in the great Second Coming . . . for the everlasting union of God with His people, as shown in the symbol of the stars.