Stained Glass Window History
Introducing CCC Stained Glass Windows of Great Falls, MT
Say the word WINDOWS and the likely thought will be a computer software. A huge segment of society now does WINDOWS, but not in the old-fashioned sense of washing panes of glass.
It has been said that the “new” Stained Glass Windows are computer screens. A computer screen does everything the old stained glass does and then some. It uses color. It communicates a message. It uses icons, or symbols to represent something far greater than the icon. It is expensive but not out of reach. It is a rare church that does not have at least one stained glass window.
Central Christian Church has both the old-fashioned stained glass and new 21st century-type Windows projected onto a screen behind the pulpit.
Focusing on the sanctuary’s four stained-glass windows, they have some things in common. They share the pattern of a Cross in each window. These crosses are made with the original glass from the old sanctuary windows. That sanctuary was torn down in 1992 to make way for the one dedicated in 1998 in which worship is held today.
Another feature is an upswept pattern in each window. And each one has a specific theme that recognizes a core belief of the Disciples of Christ. There is the Bible (Scripture), the Creed (Jesus is Lord), Baptism (One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism), and Communion (In Remembrance of Me). Some symbols occur in more than one window, such as the Chalice, the Grapes, and the Crown.
About the time these windows were made there were some discussion about whether stained-glass windows should be facing inward or outward. If inward, they tell their stories only to those already inside the church. If outward, they tell our stories to those outside the church.
Having them turned outward might make sense. We want our message to be seen by the world. But if we had turned them outward –which we did not– we would have been assuming that people out there were looking toward the church for a message. Sadly, most of society is not looking to the church for anything. We have to invite them in. Then we have to go one step further and interpret the symbols of the church and of Christ. Otherwise, the windows become simply art work. We applaud art, but we want to share the greater meaning.
After the building’s dedication in 1998, the four windows were made and set in place over a period of two plus years, stretching to 2001. Stan and Marian Olson, both now deceased, donated the funds for the first two windows, with the remainder coming from Memorial Funds money. Stan owned a 1966 Ranchero pick-up truck that he sold to donate the money for these windows.
The Stained Glass Windows committee chaired by Chris Hunter which gave guidance to our stained-glass artist Barbara Winters. Barbara made the windows in her studio which was in her Great Falls home. Her husband, Mike Winters had been MAYOR of Great Falls and was helpful in working with her and us with insights into some of the layouts.
Each window has a story. Beginning with the round window, it is intentionally clear, and occasionally called the GOD WINDOW. Through it we see the trees, the sky and the changing of the seasons. We see snow on the bare limbs of winter and beautiful leaves in late spring through early fall. God’s creation visually comes through to us every week and is a source for meditation.
The stained glass windows are referred to by number here, but the numbering is made only for reference purposes.