Christ Church Windows

Christ Church is blessed with a number of wonderful stained glass windows. We have windows in the Church, in the Chapel, and in the Parish Hall. The following is a description of the windows along with a bit of information about their meaning and content, and their donors.

The Church Windows

At the rear of the Church, facing west above the balcony

The Rose Window  (which used to hang over the north door in old Christ Church downtown on Farrugut and Davis Streets.) It was originally given by Bishop Robert W.B. Elliott, (Missionary Bishop of Western Texas from 1874 – 1887.) Several years after it had been installed. This window was badly damaged in a severe hail storm. In 1915, the Rev. C.W. Cook, rector at the time, with the assistance of his brother, Ralph Cook, of Syracuse, New York and Mr. Leonard Nelson, a staunch member of Christ Church Parish, rebuilt the rose window. They used pieces of the original glass, which had been stored for several years in the basement of the church. Since some of the original glass had been too badly shattered to use, other pieces of colored glass were cut and fitted onto the design. After several months work. The window was completed and placed in its proper location.

This same window, which represents so much of the life of Christ Church. has been refurbished, enlarged. and installed in our current building. The window is a Star of David, symbol of the Jewish origins of our faith, and the cross, symbol of Jesus as Savior and Messiah.

Given by Mr. and Mrs. James Richter, Jr. It shall testify to that ''great cloud of witnesses” that encompass us in His Presence.

The Entry Way Windows use official seals to teach who we are and from whence we have come: (from south to north)

Canterbury-

The prime see City of the Church of England. The first Anglican missionaries came from the Church of England, sometimes as chaplains to colonizing companies as in Virginia - sometimes under the sponsorship of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts and other mission societies.

Given by Mrs. Ralph Barry in memory of William and Carrie Brennan.

Aberdeen-

The prime see City of the Church of Scotland who gave us our first bishop after the revolution. The Church of England bishops could not consecrate Samuel Seabury without an oath of allegiance to the King - which the new bishop could not give. The Bishops in Scotland consecrated him asking him to include in our Prayer book the longer prayer of consecration from the Scottish Eucharist.

Given by Mr. & Mrs. Bob Shirey in Thanksgiving for Ruby Mae Shirey

The Episcopal Church, USA –

The shield shows our heritage. The large center cross is the Cross of St. George, the patron faint of England. The small cross formed by the several crosses is the Cross of St. Andrew, the Patron saint of Scotland. The several crosses represent the founding diocese.

Given in loving thanksgiving - Dr. & Mrs. William H. Brown, Jr., Keith. Michael, Matthew & Elizabeth

The Diocesan Seal of the Diocese of West Texas –

The star indicates Texas, “the Lone Star State”. The Alamo indicates the See City. The figures indicate the first parishes – St. Mark’s, San Antonio and St. Mark’s, Indianola.

Given by Mrs. Ralph Barry in memory of Ralph Barry

South Side Windows from the Baptismal Font to the front of the church

Baptism

The traditional symbols of Baptism are used;  the scallop shell, water and descending Dove, which denote washing with water, symbolizing our cleansing from sin, and the gift of the gift of the Holy Spirit given to us in Baptism.

Given by Mr. And Mrs. David M. Slaughter, Jr. in thanksgiving for David March Slaughter III.

The Annunciation and Birth of Jesus Christ

The top figure represents the angel Gabriel, who announced the birth to the blessed Virgin and St. Joseph. Below is the Holy Family and the manger.

Given in memory of Mabel Bickford Cook by Mary Hensley Cook.

The Boyhood of Jesus

The top of the window is dominated by the symbols of Judaism, a Menorah, the seven branch candlesticks and the Torah, the scrolls. Below are the tools of the carpenter trade: the chisel, the saw, the square, and the plumb line. This window teaches us that Jesus was Jewish, and was raised in the synagogue. And that in the carpenter shop of Joseph he learned the honorable trade of a craftsman.

Given in memory of Kyle Alexander Ervin by his family.

The Baptism of Jesus

We see the figure of  John the Baptist and our Lord standing in the Jordan river. John uses the traditional baptismal shell to pour the water on the head of Jesus. The spirit is shown in the upper portion as a dove descending and a ray of light.

Given in memory of Horace Edward Watson by his wife.

The Preaching of Jesus

The top figure is the Old testament Priestly garment, the Ephod showing that Jesus preaching was the fulfilling of the Old testament covenant. The central figure is a mountain with the Chi Ro, the first letters of the word Christ in Greek. symbol of Christ superimposed on a figurative mountain for the famous Sermon on the Mount recorded in it. Matthew's Gospel. The two lower figures are those of St. Peter. the reversed cross and keys, reminding us of Peter being martyred by crucifixion upside down, and St. Paul, the snake being shaken into the fire after Paul's shipwreck, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. Peter and Paul remind us Christ's preaching did not stop on Good Friday but continues through the Apostles and their successors to both Jew, (Peter) and Gentile, (Paul).

Given in memory of Courtney Slaughter Proffitt and James Vernon Proffitt.

The Transfiguration  We see Christ as he was transfigured before Peter, James, and John. At the top we see the Hebrew letter Yod, the smallest of the letters, a sign of humility, and of Jesus, (the first letter of his name), and as the beginning of all things,  upholding the world by his power. (Hebrews 1:3) On Jesus’ mantle we see the symbol of the law, Moses’ tablets, and of the prophets, the wheel of the fiery chariot that transported the prophet Elijah to Heaven. The lower panels have a scallop and a sword, symbolizing the beheading of James the apostle, and pilgrimages in his honor. The chalice with the snake is a symbol of John the apostle as an old legend has it that John’s enemies tried to poison him and were unsuccessful.

Dedicated to those who toil in the fields and in the vast expanses of this area, and especially to these men who love the land, David M. Slaughter, Sr., and H. Ralph Hinkle, by Mr. & Mrs. G.E. Glassford and children.

The Healings of Christ

At the top we see the pigs going over the cliff and drowning after Jesus cast out a demon from a man (Mark 5:11  & Luke 8:32). In the center is the staff of the leper with the bell that announced the warning to the world. The bottom figures represent the pool by the sheep gate where the invalid waited for the “healing waters” - Jesus healed him with a word (John 5).

Dedicated to those who made this their home parish during their tour of duty at the Laredo Air Force case (1952-1975), and especially Lt. Col. Gregory L. Barras, USAF, MIA,  December 18, 1968, and Capt. David L. Ramsey. USAF, KIA, August l970. Given by Mr. & Mrs. G.E. Glassford and children.

The First Eucharist

This window tells us that Christ, ''on the night he was betrayed, took bread and blessed it and broke it and gave it to the disciples''. Communion is a way in which we can always find him and be with him. Christ here breaks the bread, the kneeling figure represents a disciple, with nimbus for each of the other eleven. The chalice and grapes tells us of the cup he shared and shares with us.

Given in thanksgiving for Jim & Genevieve Richter on their 50th wedding anniversary by their children.

The Good Friday Window

The window shows in stark relief the horror of Good Friday - the Cross is the predominant figure, together with the whip, the crown of thorns, the cock to remind us of Peter’s denial.  The basin and towel remind us of both Maundy Thursday when our lord washed the disciples’ feet, and Pontius Pilate’s act of washing his hands at Jesus trial.

Given in memory of Mrs. Anne Mc Knight Williams from memorial gifts and her son.

The Resurrection Window

This window is the ancient symbol of resurrection. The phoenix, a bird that according to ancient legend rises from its ashes to new life.

Given in memory of Helen Louise MacDonald Wiggins by Henry Hocart Wiggins and Mary B. MacDonald.

The Ascension Window

The window depicts Jesus’ Ascension into heaven to reign at God the Father's right hand. The symbol of the atomic age at the top tells us that Christ is for every age, and that all was created by him and for him.

This memorial window dedicated to all those in whose memory contributions have been made to the memorial building fund.

The north side of the church from back to front

The Teaching of Christ

This depicts Jesus’ parables: The wise and foolish virgins represented by the lighted and extinguished lamps,  the parable of the mustard seed is the tree with the small seed shown in the center; and the lower panel depicts Jesus talk with the woman at the well - ''1 am the living water”.

Given in memory of Emma Hale Da Camara by Mr. and Mrs. Russell Snipp.

The Prodigal Son

Hear we see the father welcoming the wayward son home as in the famous parable of God's love recorded in Luke's Gospel. At the top we see the burning lamp - a symbol of god's continuing love throughout all times. We also see the sinister figure of the harlot from the boy's misguided wanderings.

Given in memory of Walter Herren Morgan by Margaret M. Morgan.

The Second Coming

This window depicts Christ’s Prophecy about his Second Coming. The clouds of glory and the trumpet of the Archangel, the hand depicting his teaching about praying without ceasing and the lower panel shows the vision of Peter in the Acts of the Apostles telling him that God had opened the Church to the Gentiles.

Given in memory of Flora Dilgard Milton by memorials and her family.

The Great Commission

This window depicts Jesus’ command to go into the entire world to make disciples of all nations, and his promise to be with us. The flame is the symbol of the Holy Spirit coming down upon both men and women on the day of Pentecost.

Given in memory of William Byron Johnson by memorials and his wife.

The Gospel Windows are four symbols from Ezekiel’s vision of God, where the four living creatures, each with the head of different creature surrounded the throne of God

St. Matthew –  The man.  

Matthew wrote his Gospel in five parts, probably intentionally like the Torah, the five first books of the Bible. His audience was probably Jewish Christians.

Given by Captain and Mrs. Wayne T. Gaylor.

St. Mark – The Lion.  

Mark was the first Gospel written. Eusebius, a bishop in the late 200’s indicated that Mark’s Gospel was largely derived from Peter’s sermons and eyewitness accounts of Jesus.

Given by Mr. & Mrs. Charles Baird and Robert Sidney Baird.

St. Luke – The Ox.  

Luke was a companion of Paul on some of his missionary journeys. He wrote Luke and Acts as two part book to teach who Jesus was and how the church was open to the Gentiles.

Given by Maggie Straub in memory of Melvin L. Holaday.

St. John – The Eagle.

John’s Gospel was written by the apostle. While sharing similarities with Matthew, Mark, and Luke, it contains far more of Jesus’ sayings and more interpretation of the same.

  Given in memory of William B. Plumb by his wife.

The Chapel Windows

When Christ Church built the new building in 1967, the wi

In the entryway

A memorial to Ralph Cook

This window memorializes Ralph Cook, the son of a beloved pastor of Christ Church, the Rev. Charles Cook. Ralph was for many years the janitor and handyman at Christ Church.  Made by the Black Art Glass Company of San Antonio, and given by parishioners. The inscription reads: “To the Glory of God, Ralph Bickford Cook, 1955”

A memorial to Albert Furney Muller

This window is a memorial given by his mother, Mrs. Ida Muller upon his recovery from a serious illness, when Furney was a child. The inscription reads: “ In gratitude to God for the restoration to health of Albert Furney Muller, this window is erected by his mother, 1904.”

At the front wall (South)

The Good Shepherd Window

This Window depicting Christ as the Good Shepherd was given in memory of Kate McLane by Mrs. Albert McLane. It was made in England and installed in 1888, and was the first pictorial stained glass window installed in the church. According to Mary Cook’s account, this window had actually been ordered for Good Shepherd Church in Corpus Christi, while the one for Christ Church depicted Jesus knocking at the door. But somehow the factory mixed up the shipments!

The Alpha and Omega Windows

On the east side of the chapel

The Cup

St Cecilia

Next is a window of St. Cecilia, patron saint of music.The window was a memorial to Mrs. Laura Allen Benavides, a member of the Ladies Guild. Made by Von Grechten of Columbus, Ohio, the window used a likeness of Mrs. Benavides for the saint’s face. Given by her husband Mr. Juan Benavides and originally installed in 1916. The inscription reads: “Laura Allen Benavides. Unto Life. March 13, 1916.”

Madonna and Child

Given in memory of his wife by Col. Edward Dwan, the window was made by Jacoby in St. Louis. The inscription reads: “To the glory of God and in loving memory of Louise Muller Dwan, 1895 – 1922”

The Virgin Mary

The window was given by David March Slaughter, Randolph Slaughter, and Courtney Slaughter Proffitt. The inscription reads: To the Glory of God and in loving memory of Randolph Slaughter and Joseph Hampton Slaughter.”

St. Peter

Made by A. Howard Studios, the window depicts St. Peter. The inscription reads: “To the Glory of God and in loving memory of Carlos Richter.”

St. Paul

Made in the studio of Len Howard, Kent Connecticut, this window was given by parishioners in memory of the Rev. Charles W. Cook who served the parish for 24 years.  The upper window quotes from St. Paul’s letter to the Phillipians, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” The inscription reads: “To the Glory of God and in loving memory of Charles W. Cook, Rector, 1913 – 1937.”  

On the west side of the chapel

The Bread

The mate of the Cup window on the opposite side, the window quote says, “Feed on him in thy heart by faith and with thanksgiving.” The inscription reads: “To all the dead in Christ, especially those who were associated with us here on earth.”

An Angel of the Revelation

One of the oldest windows, it depicts an angel holding the Bible with a scroll stating, “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours.” The window was crafted in Munich. The inscription declares: To the Glory of God and in memory of Agnes Bridges Parker. Born in Pine Bluff, Ark. Mar. 12, 1871. Confirmed at Christ Church, Laredo Jan. 10, 1892. Married Mar. 3, 1892. Died at Laredo July 14, 1894.” 

The Acolyte Window

The window depicts an acolyte leading a priest in procession, while a smaller lower panel shows two altar boys kneeling reverently.  The window was given by Mrs. J.J. O’Hearn in memory of her son John who died as the result of an automobile accident.  The inscription reads: “To the Glory of God and in loving memory of John Justin O’Hearn, Jr.”

Michael the Archangel

An angel stands with a scroll proclaiming, “Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.  Given by his family, the window is in memory of Harry Johnston. The inscription says: “To the Glory of God with grateful thanks for his blessings, and in loving memory of Harry Wilson Johnston, Born Easter Sunday, 1884, Died Christmas Eve 1959

The Annunciation

The angel Gabriel is shown announcing to Mary that she will bear the savior. Given by the Muller family, the inscription reads: “To the Glory of God and in loving memory of Julia Bird Jones Muller.

Archangel Gabriel

With trumpet in hand, the archangel is shown in a militant pose. Given by his family, the window is a memorial to World War II casualty, Con Mims. The inscription reads: “To the Glory of God and in loving memory of Con Mims, Jr. May 26, 1921, Dec. 17, 1944.

Parish Hall Windows

Two windows were given by Robert Shutt, a childhood member and longtime parish benefactor watch over the South end of the hall. Both windows depict motifs from the Psalms.

The window on the right was given in memory of Ethel Stuart Rumsey Shutt.

Parish Hall Windows

Before Christ Church could move into the current nave the parish hall was used for worship. Both windows depict motifs from the Psalms

The window on the left was given in memory of William Franklin Shutt, Sr.

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Last modified: 08/21/08