The Twelve

Sanctuary Windows

These twelve windows in the Sanctuary represent the twelve disciples. The architect planned this in 1963 when the building was designed and built. The Sanctuary Planning Committee kept this in mind when the plans for the new windows were being decided. Each window has a shield representing one Disciple. Eleven of the twelve windows have scenes from the Life of Christ. Representing the Old Testament, Window #1 has Moses coming down Mt. Sinai holding the Ten Commandment Tablets. A different cross was chosen to go at the top of each window.

Much thought and discussion was given by each member of the Planning Committee concerning what scenes, shields, crosses, and colors were to go into each window. The number sequence for the windows begins at the northwest (with Moses), goes to the northeast, then to the southeast, and the last window, #12, ends at the southwest (near the Pulpit). The Planning Committee hopes that we and our descendants will enjoy these beautiful windows for many years to come.

Below you’ll find a picture of each window, accompanied by separate pictures of each panel. Click on the panels to learn more about the stain glass images.

Window 1

Cross: The Tau Cross, So-called because of the resemblance to the Greek letter T. This is the original form of the cross.

Biblical Scene: Mt. Sinai, Moses is coming down Mt. Sinai with the tablets with the Decalogue on them. The Law is the centerpiece of the Old Testament. (Exodus 32:15-16)

Disciple: St. Bartholomew, (Apostle, Martyr) He was sometimes known as Nathaniel. Armenia and India are believed to have been the areas of his missionary work. He is said to have been flayed alive, beheaded, and crucified (thus the flaying knives).

Window 2

Click each section below for closer viewing and description:

Cross: The Canterbury Cross

Biblical Scene: Nativity (Luke 2:7)

Disciple: Judas Iscariot, Thirty pieces of silver with a money bag represent Judas’ betrayal of Jesus.

Window 3

Click each section below for closer viewing and description:

Cross: The Passion Cross, A form of the Latin Cross

Biblical Scene: Jesus Baptized (Mark 1:9-11)

Disciple: St James the Less (Apostle, Martyr), This symbol refers to the tradition that St. James was cast down from a pinnacle of the temple in Jerusalem, beaten, stoned, and sawn asunder by the Jews.

Window 4

Click each section below for closer viewing and description:

Cross: The Jerusalem or Crusader’s Cross, Usually has four small crosses between the arms, the five crosses between the arms, the five crosses symbolizing the five wounds of our Lord. Worn by Godfrey de Bouillon, first ruler of Jerusalem after the liberation from the Moslems.

Biblical Scene: Jesus Teaching (Matthew 5:1-2)

Disciple: St. Simon (Apostle, Martyr), The companion of St. Jude on many missionary journeys, St. Simon was known as a great fisher of men through the power of the Gospel.