Art connects us to our emotions, and just as music deepens the worship experience, it is intended that this artwork also connects worshipers to our Creator. Parts of the old stained glass were salvaged and incorporated into the new window.
Stained glass window guide
At First Pres Glen Ellyn the stained glass window stands as an inspiring form of artwork that serves as a meaningful backdrop to the cross.
Background
Artistic Style
The window was created to feel both balanced and dynamic. Its symmetry provides a sense of harmony, while subtle asymmetry adds depth and movement.
The outer ring is made up of 100 pieces, celebrating the past and upcoming 100-year anniversary of First Pres in 2026, while also nodding toward the future with bright, festive shades of magenta and orange. Twelve red, round blown-glass elements serve as a reminder of the 12 disciples and the significance of discipleship. (Luke 9:1-24)
One piece of the 100 is uncolored, a reference to the parable of the 99 sheep and the one lost sheep that the Shepherd goes to find and save. (Luke 15:1-7). The placement of this uncolored piece is intentionally on the west edge of where the ring and the cross intersect, a reference to Psalm 103:11-13, “…as far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our transgressions from us.” The white piece has red glass pieces on either side; reminding us that “though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” (Isaiah 1:18)
Shades of green represent new life and growth in discipleship. (John 15:1-8)
Warmer red tones in the cross symbolize the blood of Christ shed on our behalf. (Hebrews 10:19-25)
Cooler, more ‘ethereal’ blues suggest sky and heaven. This points to the creation narratives in Genesis as God speaks to create light, heavens, earth, and seas. (Genesis 1-2) Portions of the blue glass feature actual ripples to represent the waters of baptism.
White, light, and opalescent colors at the center convey ‘lightness’ and ‘holiness’. (John 1:5-10)
The yellow shades at the four directional ends of the window represent that men and women will come from North and South and East and West and will take the place at the feast in the Kingdom of God. (Luke 13:29)
The window is a dynamic image and you may find meaning and symbolism in other stylistic elements that you personally see in the window.
