Etched Glass Panels

 

"The Story of Creation"

"Created in the Image of God ... " (Gen. 1:26)
"A New Creation in Christ ... " (2 Cor. 5:17)

The St. Matthew's Etched Glass Panels were dedicated April 14, 2002. Text and images of the panels on this page are taken from the dedication booklet. (Click any thumbnail to enlarge the image.)

The Story Behind the Etched Glass

Near the completion of our renovated worship space and Commons in 2000, the Building Committee made mention that a new art form, such as etched glass, would enhance the beauty of the gathering and worship spaces. The committee had seen etched glass in one of its site visits and decided to keep it on hold it as a project that could be added in the near future.

In the spring of 2001 Helen Chang, Jim Daul, John Paradowski, and Pastor Gary Erickson served as a design group for this project. Conversation was held with the Conrad Schmitt Studios, a local, but nationally known Art-Design Studio, represented by Heidi Emery. Creation was the theme for the design. Each panel would depict an aspect of creation, fitting for an entrance into worship through Baptism where "in Christ we are a new creation." Entering from the gathering space, into the worship space, this passage leads from the common gathering among us to the common gathering with God and one another in sacred worship.

The project was also prompted by memorial gifts in memory of Mildred H. Frank, a dear and long time member. Dick and Dorothy "Dottie" Anderson designated these memorial gifts for her mother, Mildred, for this project. Very quickly other gifts were given in honor and in memory of loved ones. Commitments and gifts for this work have been received for the completion of this project.

Our grateful thanks to all who have given generously to this work of art, adding a new art form to the beauty of our worship space. It is a reminder that we are God's creation and "a new creation in Christ." The windows will also serve as a teaching tool for classes studying the creation story in Genesis. We have been blessed to add this story in glass to the artistic quality of our church bUilding ... it is all a witness to God, our creator.

This project has also included the placement of four stained glass panels in the new east (front) entrance window. These panels existed in the old entrance to the education bUilding from the courtyard. They were removed, reframed and placed in the new windows as inserts... allowing more of a flow with the stained glass in the education bUilding. Gifts from the Marjorie Aylen memorial were used for this project of opening this entrance and relocation of stained glass panels.

Creation
The theme of Creation lends itself to filling the upper windows in the folding doors between the gathering space and the nave of St. Matthew's. This is true in terms of both artistic and liturgical design. Leading from the gathering space into the body of the church, this opening is literally the doorway from daily life to the religious, and a transitional space into the sacred space.

The depiction of Creation and the hand of the Creator are a beloved vision of the work of God the Father, and a unifYing presentation of the wonders of life on earth. The theme of creation at the entrance of the nave also is a reminder that each week, we are a part of God's unique creation, created out of love to love God and one another.

The etched glass designs draw on traditional imagery, while embracing a simpler, more contemporary style that suits the architecture of the church. In terms of theme, the six days of Creation plus the Day of Rest image created by the two center windows work well to provide one, unified story across the eight windows. The Creation theme enables each center door to fold back into a fuller design created by the overlapping doors.

The central two windows (4 and 5) depict the Seventh Day, the Day of Rest. Although technically out of sequence, it is appropriate to have a larger, universal image in the center. With the earth, the right hand of God, rays of glory, and the Chi Rho, symbolizing Christ, these windows represent the Seventh Day, the Creative Glory of God, and Jesus Christ, with beautiful imagery that can also be interpreted by each individual.

The Creation Story in Etched Glass (Genesis 1-2:3)
Genesis, with its story of Creation, is one of the most beloved books of the Bible. The idea of God lovingly composing our world with one glorious element after another, day by day, helps us to understand how he cherishes the earth. It also reminds us that our own creativity, in every endeavor, is a gift from God that reflects his divine nature.

 

Window 1
"Let there be light" (Gen. 1:3)

The first window depicts the sun, our natural source of light and warmth, whose rays fill the space. Because of its nurturing beauty, we strongly associate the sun with God. It also symbolizes Christ, as he was called by the prophet Malachi, the 'Sun of righteousness.'

 

Window 2
'''Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters' ... God called the firmament Heaven." (Gen. 1:6)

In the second of the door windows, clouds appear, representing the heavens. Rays from the central image of God (windows 4 & 5) also stretch forth into the design.

 

Window 3

"Let the dry land appear... and the earth bring forth vegetation." (Gen. 1:9)

The third window introduces landmasses, then trees and plants, the first life forms in the story of Creation. The design of this window and number 6, allow for the adjacent windows, 4 & 5, to remain visible and complement the design when these slide in front of them.

 

Windows 4 & 5

"God blessed the seventh day and made it holy because on it he rested from all his work of Creation. " (Gen. 2:2-3)

(Images of Windows 4 & 5 are above on this page.)

The Hand of God raised in blessing in Window 4 represents God's presence in the act of Creation, and his benediction. The circle appears again here in the center of the entire design, representing eternity, the sun and the Messiah. The traditional Chi Rho in Window 5 is a monogram for Christ, an abbreviation of the ancient Greek spelling of his name, XPICTOC.

 

Window 6

"God made the two great lights, the greater light to rule the day and the smal1er one to rule the night, and he
made stars." (Gen. 1:16)


This window represents the fourth day of creation. In addition to the beauty and tranquility associated with the sun, moon and stars, the sun and moon together have the added appeal of being a symbol of Mary. As we intuitively feel, the stars represent divine guidance.


Window 7

"Let the waters abound with life, and above the earth let winged creatures fly ..." (Gen. 1:20)

Window 7 allows a glimpse of this new world from the ocean, where a panorama of fish, birds and far-off land can be viewed. The freedom of birds and their ability to soar provide people with inspiration. The fish call to mind abundance, but more importantly, the fish has traditionally represented Christ.

 

Window8

"Let the earth bring forth all kinds of living creatures: cattle, crawling creatures and wild animals." (Gen. 1:24)

"Let us make mankind in our image and likeness ..." ( Gen. 1:26)

Adam and Eve are depicted in the eighth window, representing the sixth day of creation. A deer represents the newly created animal kingdom. With vegetation also shown, this window affirms God's ultimate creation, of life.

 

Angel panels

Two angel images are depicted for the large windows that flank the doors, representing communication between people and God. With hands extended, they invite the congregation into the worship space. (Gen. 1:27 & 31) (Pictures of the panels are below.)

 

Conrad Schmitt Studios
The etched glass project was designed and etched by the nationally known studios of Conrad Schmitt of New Berlin, Wisconsin, founded in 1889.S

One hundred years ago there were three such studios, Connick, Tiffany and Conrad Schmitt. Connick dealt almost exclusively in stained glass while Tiffany and the Conrad Schmitt Studios, Inc. designed, decorated, redecorated, and restored some of this country's most magnificent structures, including their stained glass. At the turn of the century, the Studio was creating and restoring stained glass in churches, theatres, banks, large estates, and even state capitols. In 1909, the Conrad Schmitt Studios, Inc., was part of a team that decorated the west wing of the Wisconsin State Capitol.

The Studio is steeped in tradition and history, yet each craftsman is creative and knowledgeable in the latest techniques as they pertain to execution and application.

For over a century the Conrad Schmitt Studios, Inc., has been promoting quality while respecting fine art, working hand in hand with owners, interior design firms, consultants, and architects, conserving and creating some of the most ornate and stately interiors evidenced by man. The conservation and preservation of the fine arts acts as a reflection of our culture for future generations.

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
O give thanks to the God of gods,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
for his steadfast love endures forever;
to him who alone does great wonders,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
to him who by understanding made the heavens,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
to him who spread out the earth upon the waters,
for his steadfast love endures forever
to him who made the great lights,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
the sun to rule over the day,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
the moon and stars to rule over the night,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
(Psalm 136:1-8)