|
Rich, liturgical colors in faceted class capture the passionate beginnings of the Christian church.
Stained glass windows are often called "the handmaid of architecture", inasmuch as they have become an interal part of the basic architectural design.
Thus, after studying plans for the Calvary Chapel, designers of the windows recommended use of faceted glass rather than the traditional medium. Closely akin to the finest art qualities found in stained glass of the 12th and 13th centuries, faceted glass inherently possesses a vitality, extraordinary depth and richness of color which only time can bring to traditional stained glass windows.
Fully an inch thick, the faceted glass is set in exposed aggregate concrete, adding much to the feeling of stability and permanency of the Chapel. Liturgical colors basic to church symbolism establish the color scheme.
Varations may be noted, however, such as the orange-reds and blue-reds which so enrich the total effect of the windows. While the ruby red appears dominant, no color is independent of those surrounding it yet relies totally on interrelationships for its emotional impact.
The Celtic Cross, central symbol of the United Presbyterian Church's new seal, is the dominant figure in the large center window in the chancel – flanked by Alpha on the left and Omega on the right. The circle of eternity has been emphasized for its symbolic significance. The free-flow line in ruby is key to the entire window plan, suggesting freedom, eternity and the ever-active thought in the church today.
Vertical Windows Dedicated to the Gospel Writers
Windows depicting Saints Matthew, Mark, Luke and John appear on the East wall. Again, the free-flow line is used, but the lines vary and each is of a variant but related color. The ruby of the free-flow line reappears in these windows as a red band running vertically.
The symbols at the base of each window – scroll, pen, open book – recall that these men were also Gospel writers.
Starting with the window at the rear, Matthew is represented by the winged man. It was Matthew who emphasized our Lord's humanity.
Mark, in the second window, is characterized as the winged lion. It was he who preached the royal dignity of the Son of God.
Luke described Jesus' passion most completely in his writings. Thus the ox, symbol of sacrifice centuries before the Christian era, is used.
John is symbolized by the eagle, because "from first to last his gospel soars on eagles' wings to the very throne of heaven.
Celestory Windows
Every window is meaningful in recalling the lives of the Twelve, chosen by Jesus to be his first disciples. the symbols used in the celestory windows have become traditional throughout Christendom, and include:
Peter, first to be called, represented by gold and silver keys, one to heaven – the other to hell.
James was a great missionary along the shores of Greece, Italy and Spain. His sign is the shell, symbolic of travelers.
John, brother of James, was once tempted to drink from a poisoned chalice, his sign. He did so but was unharmed.
Andrew can be identified by the cross on its side (it is said he was crucified in this manner) and by the anchor, recalling he was a fisherman.
Philip is represented by a basket and Tau cross. He had doubts regarding the sufficiency of bread to feed the five thousand.
Bartholomew is symbolized by a peculiar sword and open book – depicting his preaching mission to Russia where he was martyred.
Thomas' builders' square recalls the tradition that he was saved from martyrdom when the King of the Indies found that by preaching the gospel and giving to the poor, Thomas had built a temple in heaven for the King.
James The Less journeyed with his brother Jude and preached the gospel. Thrown from a tower, he was unharmed, but was later stoned and beaten.
Matthew, a tax collector of dubious honesty before meeting Jesus, later repaid his debts three-fold. Hence, three bags of silver.
Jude, sometimes called Thaddeus, traveled widely with his brother. The ship is his symbol.
Simon, companion of Jude, is represented by a fish impaled on a boat hook. Simon was considered to be the great "fisher of men".
Matthias, selected as Judas' replacement, is symbolized by the open book from which he preached and by the double-edged axe.
|