In
September of 1986, the church began this long-anticipated project of creating
Stained Glass Windows for our sanctuary. Under the skilled leadership of
artists in the congregation, a studio was established in the church, classes of
instruction were offered, and more than two dozen volunteers stepped forward
to led a hand. With each additional window, the mood and spirit of the
congregation changed as the brilliant colors enhanced our place of
worship. The whole congregation joined in enthusiasm for the project,
and in addition to the church's interest, the windows have been the
subject of local and regional news features.
The Artist and Design
Sue
Bird was commissioned by the church to design the 88 windows of the project.
Formerly of Ogden, Utah, Mrs. Bird was no stranger to the west and to the Grand
Valley. Her design, entitled: The Handiwork of God, incorporates
Bible symbols from nature into the 15 banks of windows. The symbols
include palms, grapes, lilies, butterflies, olive branches, the sun and the
moon, stars, wheat, birds, roses, fruits, and fish. Each bank of windows
is characterized by flowing vertical lead lines with glass colors starting
with deep amber at the bottom, flowing upward through medium and light amber,
to clear.
The
sensitivity of this nationally-known designer to the colors of creation as we
experience them here in the west, contributes significantly to the mood of
praise as our congregation gathers for worship.
The Memorial Fund
Our
church has established a memorial fund. When a window was purchased, this
money was deposited in the memorial fund. Only the interest earned from
the fund is used for projects as authorized by the church's Endowment &
Financial Advisory Committee. The principal amount of the fund will remain as a restricted
investment of the church. This means that the funds which are
contributed will continue to generate income and be a lasting resource for
the church.
The cost of each individual window was based
on its cost as if a stained glass studio were commissioned to do the work.
Because the labor was contributed by a number of our church members free of
charge, the memorial fund increased significantly as the windows were subscribed.
The number of windows created and the costs
per window was:
64 windows at $400.00
each, 14 windows at $600.00 each, 4 windows at $250.00 each
Several payment options to the Memorial Fund
are available.
Each window is to be designated in memory or
appreciation of a person or persons. Plaques commemorating new gifts
will appear next to each bank of windows and all gifts (including those less
than the cost of an individual window) will be recognized in the Memorial
Book.
If you are interested in designating a
window or windows, please contact the church office for window availability
and to make payment arrangements.
