A Few Words about our Windows

Grace Lutheran is the "mother church" of the Grand Canyon Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The congregation was officially organized in 1914.

After meeting in several other locations, the congregation purchased the site at Third and Moreland Streets in 1926, and following construction, the first service was conducted in the present building on Christmas Day 1928.

On October 23, 1960, after extensive remodeling, the Service of Re-entry and Dedication was held. One of the more notable features of this project was the addition of the stained glass windows.

The windows were designed by Robert Mansfield, and were executed by The Artglass Studios of Scottsdale. The 8 large windows in the nave of the church depict the "Acts of Grace Through Jesus Christ," and--facing eastward from the altar and moving clock-wise from the left (north) side of the sanctuary--are as follows:
The Incarnation, The Crucifixion, The Resurrection, The Day of Pentecost, and on the right (south) side, The Great Commission, The Good Shepherd, The Miracles and the Parables. Each of the major events or subjects, is complimented by associated symbols which are depicted in the smaller side panels. 

As worshippers leave the services, the round Benediction Window (located above the balcony) reminds them of God's blessing upon both their worship and work. 

The Sanctuary of Grace--one of only 2 examples of New Revival Gothic-architecture in Phoenix--has recently been nominated by the Arizona State Historical Society, for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.

The vibrant colors provide a wonderful addition to services held in the Sanctuary.    Long-time members as well as new visitors often take time before or after service to explore the colors and imagery in the windows.

Click on any of the small pictures to see a large high-resolution version. 

Nativity (Front near Lectern)

  • Cross & Crown – King born to die
  • Root of Jesse
  • Star of David – “Son of David”
  • Roman helmet and coins – “In the days of Caesar …”
  • Camel & Pyramid – Flight to Egypt
  • Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh -- Wise men
  • Dove (2) – Coming of God to man (Incarnation)  

Parables (Front near Pulpit)

  • Sower & Soils – Seed fell on path, stony, thorny, good soil
  • Ring and Shoes – Prodigal Son
  • Mustard Seed
  • Ointment and Bandage – Good Samaritan
  • Headdress of Coins – Lost coin
  • Pearl – of Great Price
  • Sheep and Goats – Parable of Judgment
  • Dough – Pinch of yeast in three measures of dough
  • Lamp – Maidens awaiting bridegroom  

 

Crucifixion (Mary, mother and beloved disciple)

  • Nails and Thorn Crown
  • Dice – Soldiers
  • Robe – Soldiers gambled for
  • Ladder & Hyssop stick
  • Basin and Ewer – Pilate
  • Pelican – gives blood so young may live
  • Burial Linen
  • Chalice – Last Supper
  • Bag of Coins – Judas
  • Sun in Eclipse – Matt 27:45
  • INRI – Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews
  • Rose of Sharon

 

Miracles

  • Eyes – Seeing to the blind
  • Dragons  – Driving out demons
  • Net and Fish – Luke 5:1-11
  • Hand touching garment – Woman who touched the hem
  • Ear – Hearing to the deaf
  • Fish and Loaves – Feeding the multitudes
  • Crutch and Bandage – healing the crippled and injured
  • Wine Jar – Wedding at Cana

Resurrection

  • Cock and Inverted Cross – Peter’s betrayal and martyrdom
  • Fish – Eaten by Jesus an shore after Resurrection
  • Locked Door – Disciples hiding on first Easter
  • Wounded hand – Jesus shows wounds
  • Rock & Chain – Locked tomb was burst
  • Pomegranate – Dies, seeds scatter, new life arises
  • Whale – “Sign of Jonah”, 3 days in earth
  • Phoenix Bird – Rises from death to life  

"I Am" – Sayings of Jesus

  • Stream of Water – “Living Water”
  • Butterfly – “Resurrection & the Life”
  • Roadway – “I am the Way”
  • Sheaves of Wheat – “Bread of Life”
  • Torch – “Light of the world”
  • Vine – “I am the Vine”
  • Alpha and Omega – Revelation 1:8
  • Door – “I am the door”  

 

Pentecost – Coming of Holy Spirit to mankind

  • Scripture – Inspired by living Spirit
  • Sword – “Of the Spirit"
  • White Robe – Of new righteousness in Spirit
  • Ship – The Church (community of Spirit)
  • Interlocking Rings – Three persons of God
  • Seven Branch Tree – Fruits of Spirit (love, joy, etc.)
  • Stones, Shield, Robe – Martyrs who died (i.e. Stephen)
  • Orb and crown – Christ will rule world
  • Key in Peter's hard – Keys of Kingdom given to church (Matt. 16.19)
  • Dove – Descending of Spirit into mankind  
 

 

The Great Commission -- As He ascends, Jesus says, "Go ye out into all the World, teach, baptize, …"

  • Gospel writers who obeyed

  •  Winged Man – Matthew

  • Winged Lion – Mark

  • Winged Ox – Luke

  • Eagle – John

  • Sword and Bible – St Paul
  • Luther's Seal
  • Globe of World – our field of service
  • Hand and Rod – St Peter