Stained Glass
 
 
The great “Eagle Windows” in the north side of the Tower at St. John’s Parish (Episcopal) Waterbury, CT 2001
“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles.” Isaiah 40:31
Founded in 1732, St. John’s, Waterbury, has long ‘waited upon the Lord’, helping those in need through its outreach programs and dedicated community involvement. The design of the tower lancets, the first new glass to be dedicated in almost 100 years, reflects the enormous role St. John’s plays at the core of one of New England’s oldest cities. The eagle (symbol of St. John) soars over the city, its glowing golden wings in a protective, hovering embrace. The surrounding towns and countryside (from which many St. John’s folk also come) gather on each side of the Naugatuck River. Historically, stained glass was used to create a ‘magic holy space’ by shutting out the secular world. The images in the glass were layered with traditional Christian symbols and stories. These windows have all that but here one can see through them to the community St. John’s has served for so many years - a reminder of the ministry so important to the Parish. These windows, each measuring 18” wide and 12’ high were designed by Judith McManis and fabricated by Bradford Winslow. They were dedicated Sept. 9, 2001.
Two details of the Eagle Windows

“What doth the Lord Require”

   Windows, Christ Church (Episcopal)   

              Bethlehem, CT   2007


“What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do Justice, and to love Mercy and to walk Humbly with thy God.” Micah 6:8

This charming mid-19th Century church has a series of lancet-type windows with unique cross/fleur-de-lis designs. A parishioner was willing to underwrite costs for a pair of windows to include the his favorite Biblical quotation. Since only one pair of windows was to be changed, I chose to introduce lettering panels into the existing pattern. The colored glass chosen matched four blank panels near the top, with lettering designed to compliment the King James language. The result preserves the continuity of the original windows while attractively adding the wording. Each window is 15” wide, 10’ high with a 6” space between them. The design was fabricated by Lawrence Ribbecke from a full-size drawing by Judith McManis.

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