Rev. Hoopes spoke of the meaning of the architect, Mr. A. A. Leifeste, striking example of modern stained glass art after the sanctuary's completion. The glass is both beautiful and meaningful and the enjoyment is enhanced by the symbols and meaning in the glass.
The sanctuary has five stained glass windows, four being small side windows that are simple reflections of each other of bright color. The main stained glass window behind the altar is the featured stained glass window. This glass has many points of interest.
This window is 30 ft. tall at its highest point and an expanse of over 20 ft. The window consists of eight narrow vertical panels made up of various sizes, shapes and colored stained glass. There is no picture per se, but it has a number of designs and patterns which symbolize significant religious beliefs. The understanding of these artistic symbols greatly enhances the visual beauty of the window.
The first symbols of the glass are the three arcs, reinforced by the symbol of the cross formed by connecting the two large yellow rectangles at the top of the glass with the center wooden panel. Notice also how the glass forms lines starting at the first arc and coming down. The three arcs symbolize the Trinity - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The lines break the glass into twelve lines for the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve disciples. As the lines come down the glass, notice that the lines divide and increase to symbolize the growth of Christianity and the spread of the Gospel message.
The largest and most popular image in our glass is the Dove of Peace rising heavenward in this glass. Begin at the center column at the arcs,mentioned above. On each side of the column is a long, narrow, yellow triangle which runs down each side untile it reaches a partial fourth arc. This partial fourth arc's bottom is the top of the dove's shoulder, the narrow triangle is its beak and head. The body of the Dove continues to the purple squares and the tail continues to the sharp yellow points. The wings are to the sides in the next panels on each side starting with the yellow triangles to the blue segments curved into the edge of mixed colored dark glass. The Dove is the symbol of peace, the aim of all Christians as well as the symbol of the Holy Spirit.
The easiest symbols to find in the window are the Ten Commandment Tablets and the two gold Chalices with the crosses on the top. The tablets are in the middle of the glass, with two red lighting bolts going across the glass to symbolize the hand of God with its majesty and power creating the Commandments. The tablets are marble colored with Roman numerals marking each of the Ten Commandments.
Observe that the background on the lower third of the window is a different type of glass. The top of the glass is clear and the lower third is darker, less clear and swirled with color. This is representative of Earth and Sky. The lower portion is shaped into three peaks representing important mountains in Biblical history. The middle one is Mount Sinai, being the place of the creation of the Ten Commandments. The other peaks are the hill of Golgotha, the place of the Crucifixion and the Mount of Olives, the scene of the betrayal. They also show the importance of high places since the Gospel elevates one to new heights and many of the great stories of the Bible take place on mountains. The fact that there are three mountains also symbolizes the Trinity.
The Chalices are on the top of the mountains to each side. The Chalice with crossis sitting on the hill of Golgotha. This is the Chalice used in the Upper Room. The Chalice with the is the CHI RHO cross and sets on the Mount of Olives and is the Greek monogram for Jesus' name. This monogram symbolized the gathering of the Christians in faith and spirit and put with the Chalice it denotes our coming together in Holy Communion.
As discussed earlier there is the one cross formed by the center wooden panel with the yellow rectangles. However when you count the crosses, there are really three. The first one discussed at the top and the two crosses above the Chalices, again bringing us to the Trinity as well as the three crosses of Calvary.
Everyone that gazes on this glass receives their own message from the symbols and bright dazzling colors.
We at Durkee UMC would like to thank Mrs. Elsie Dunaway and place this page in her honor because without her keeping this history, it would not be known to future generations.
