Emmanuel’s Stained Glass Window

The stained glass window in Emmanuel’s chapel was created by Gregory Ellsworth, a 1983 Master of Divinity graduate. The window was created to illustrate his thesis, Art and Christianity.

Ellsworth’s choice of color and texture of glass emit and transmit magnificent colors of light into the chapel. The border of the window is made of three distinct parts: blue, black and clear beveled glass. The blue is the symbolic color for love. The blue strip that encompasses the entire outer edge of the window is symbolic of God’s eternal love. The black portion of the border represents death. When black and white (clear bevels as a substitute) are put together, they symbolize humility and purity of life. The pieces of beveled glass that make up the third part of the border are incorporated to symbolize Jesus’ faith and glory.

“Emmanuel” has been incorporated in the window to symbolize the incarnation. The cross chosen for this particular window is the Celtic cross. The vertical member of this cross usually tapers. At the junction of the vertical and horizontal members, the cross is hollowed out in four places and a circle representing eternity is placed upon it. The cross is a perfect symbol for Christ because of his sacrifice on the cross. The Celtic cross is outlined in blue to reinforce the idea of Jesus’ constant and eternal love for each person. The circle of eternity has also been modified to represent the sun. The sun is usually referred to as the life giving force.

The wisteria flowers in bloom suggest the cycle of life, death, and resurrection. The branches of the wisteria stand for the church. A branch of the bush which has wrapped itself around the cross symbolizes the strength and support that Jesus gives to His church.