The Stained-glass windows of Emmanuel Baptist Church
Alexandria, Louisiana, part 3
Our subject
today is the west side of the windows at Emmanuel.
When the
Alexandria Museum hosted the Heart of Spain exhibit downtown, Emmanuel opened
its doors for the public to come and view our magnificent windows. Several people gave tours. We had not only
Alexandrians come visit but people from other states as well as some foreign
visitors. All were amazed at the beauty this “little” town had to offer.
THE EASTER WINDOWS
"I am the Good shepherd and I know my sheep.”
Visible symbols of
note:
snow bells (top left): new beginnings and hope
sheaves of wheat (upper left): communion
The Holy Bible is at the center of this window.
It is a symbol of Christian faith.
gourd (top right): symbolizes the resurrection.
grape cluster (upper right): the
blood of Christ as in the Eucharist.
"Nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be
done."
Jesus praying at Gethsemane that this 'cup' be removed, “Not my will but thine be done.”
(Note cup in God's hands. This is another great example where the use of silver stain was used). Here, it is a symbol of death.
Visible symbols of note:
cluster of three flowers (top
left): Trinity
cup and plate (upper left): lord's
supper
lily (top right): purity
cross (upper right): God's
suffering
The Holy Bible is at the center of this window.
It is a symbol of Christian faith. It’s the last window with the Bible at the
center.
flowers (beneath Jesus): peace, purity
"Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit."
Crucifixion of Jesus
Visible symbols
of note:
white flower, I think it is an iris. (top
left): Mary's sorrow at
Christ's passion.
triptych with 6-pointed star in
center (upper left): the Star of David. 6-pointed star, the star
of Creation. The 6 points stand for the six days of creation. It also
represents the 6 attributes of God: power, wisdom, majesty, love, mercy, and
justice. It’s also known as the Jewish star.
oak leaf (top right): Jesus'
cross was said to be made from oak. Victory over death.
broken chain (upper right): Symbolizes Christ's hand reaching from heaven
breaking the chains of death.
There is no Bible in the center of this
window, instead there is a banner with INRI (a traditional representation in art of the inscription over
Christ’s head at the crucifixion) Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.
"He is not here: for he has risen."
Burial tomb with stone rolled away, “He is not here, He is risen.”
Visible symbols of
note:
5-point white flower (top left): symbol associated with
Christianity. Also, purity.
The Holy Bible is brought back in this window in the
center. It is a symbol of Christian faith.
pomegranate with seeds showing (upper left): The fullness of Christ's suffering. The
resurrection of hope and eternal life. The many seeds represent the many
believers in Christ (the church). It also symbolizes resurrection and
power over death.
single white flower (top right): purity and innocence
crown with palm branches (upper
right): The martyrs' victory in passing through torments to the
blessed life in heaven.
The final window in the Easter Section.
"He was parted from them and carried up into heaven."
Jesus' ascension into heaven after blessing His disciples near Bethany.
Visible symbols of note:
white rose (top left): innocence and spiritual love
alpha (upper left): beginning.
single palm branch (top right): victory
omega (upper right): end
I am the beginning and the end.
This window is also one without a Bible at the
center of the scene. On the Advent windows we have this symbol on all
five windows. On the Easter windows there are only four.
I hope you are getting some insight into these historically significant windows from the Jacoby glass company. I only have a few decent pictures of our upper windows. Next time I’ll be discussing the parables in the upper windows and what they represent. This is when we will discuss the WMU window on the upper level, west, that no one ever sees, since it is over the stairs leading to the balcony on the west. Remember, it was an add on for symmetry, (thanks to the women of the church). It shows the Baptist symbols, so this is a personal window just for Emmanuel. We will also feature the Rose and baptistry windows.
No comments:
Post a Comment