The Stained Glass of Sunrise
Work on the stained-glass windows began in 1991. A number of people were interested in an alternative for adult church school. Rather than discuss the Bible or current events, the desire was to work on projects which would be a benefit to the congregation.
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The first project was the stained glass that stands in our entryway. An obvious choice as a starting point was the sunrise which is incorporated into a backdrop representing the Highwood Mountains. One thing led to another; pretty soon, the class was working on windows for the sanctuary and windows over the main entrance to the sanctuary.
The windows themselves represent statements of faith. If you want to know what our congregation believes, look at the windows.
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The Cross: On the southwest corner of the sanctuary, there is the cross—the empty cross—that symbolizes Christ’s death for the sins of the world and his resurrection to give all eternal life. As the sun slides south on the horizon during the fall and winter months, look for a reflection of the cross to be cast upon the sanctuary’s west wall. On the two Sundays closest to the Winter Solstice, the cross’s reflection on the west wall is complete. The class planned for this effect, but it turned out even better than they hoped.
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The Rainbow: In the north windows of the sanctuary, you find depicted a blue sky, a rainbow, and doves. The rainbow represents one of the most ancient covenants the Lord made with the human race. After the primal flood in Genesis, the waters turned back and the dry land appeared and God declared, I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. The rainbow represents the promise of that covenant that abides with us today.
The Doves: The doves, of course, were sent from the ark by Noah. When the dove returned with an olive branch, Noah knew that the flood waters had subsided. Ever since the dove has represented this ancient symbol of peace. In the New Testament, the dove symbolized the Holy Spirit. The evangelists tell us that at the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, the Holy Spirit came upon him like a dove—accompanied by the voice of God saying, You are my Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. The doves represent the promise of that Spirit which is Christ’s gift to the Church
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The Open Bible: The final window panels above the entrance to the sanctuary depicts an open Bible. Central to our Presbyterian faith is the Word of God written in Scripture, made flesh in Jesus Christ, and proclaimed as Good News to a broken and hurting world.
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At its peak, the stained-glass class had about a dozen people involved in it. People have come and gone. Four of the original people have continued working on this project to this day: Eric and Pam Chigbrow, Bill Harp, and Beth Hoseck. Their faithful commitment to this project has truly blessed us with a beautiful sanctuary, an ever-growing display of new stained glass, and a vibrant witness to our faith.
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A stained-glass medallion, crafted by Bill Harp, was presented to Rev. Susan Andrews, Moderator of the General Assembly during her visit to Sunrise and Great Falls on February 23, 2004. This is representative of our more recent work—the crafting of a series of medallions and hanging items that can be rotated by season. It has also led to the crafting of stained glass to share with our community. The Peace Hospice holds several of these donations.
Stained Glass at Peace Hospice
Bill Harp
