The Stained Glass Windows

A word about the artist and his art

The windows in the nave of the church were designed by Peter Dohmen, who came to St. Paul from Germany. He became well known in the art circles of this country. The numerous art glass windows created by him in the United States offer an accurate artistic and spiritual interpretation of a deep and lasting significance.

Our windows by this eminent artist are of the finest antique glass and were fashioned in Cologne, Germany. Mr. Dohmen's artistry was not merely confined to stained glass, but also the creation of mosaics and fresco-murals, art paintings and tapestries. He has done murals and tapestries for many distinguished people in Europe and he completed a series of seven windows for the Liberal and Fine Arts Building at Notre Dame University.

We recognize the artist's ability to temper the austere character of the brick through the use of color and longitudinal lines within the window area. The special pattern of the glass is designed to match the rough texture of the walls. One will notice the skillful use of color and the soft shading of gray in these monumental figures, whose striking magnitude makes them unique among American installations. The technique used in these stained glass works is an ancient one, but the features in which the artist's purpose is concentrated are of the 20th century. The mystic power of glass known from ancient times combines here the contemporary trends in form and figure to celebrate new triumphs in church window design.

The Ten Nave Windows

The composition of each window provides a symbol in the top section which is related to the main figure in the panel below. The bottom section is a picture which is also related to the central figure. The small border panes provide a frame for the window while at the same time providing a transition to the wall brick.

Mr. Dohmen has succeeded in giving us a new pattern in glass, using as his theme "The Messiah" for whom this parish has been named. An even in the life of our Lord is portrayed in the lower section of each panel and in turn each of the ten windows is tied together. On must start from the first window in the Epistle side (right side of the church when facing the altar) and move toward the read of the nave in order to study the sequence of events. Then one must turn his attention to the west side of the building and move once again toward the altar in order to view the final events of our Lord's life.

Window 1

The first window pictures the Virgin Mary with the child Jesus. The window is done in the ancient royal purple instead of the customary blue. The top section carries the dove, a symbol of the Holy Spirit; the bottom panel shows us a scene of Mary and her cousin Elizabeth as she tells her of the angel's message - that she too will bring forth a son and call his name Jesus.
(In memory of Arabell Goldsmith)

Window 2

The second window continues on the theme of the first and brings to us King David, an ancestor of Jesus, clad in his regal garments and carrying his harp and sword. The top section of this window shows for the Star of Bethlehem and in the lower panel we find the Nativity scene with Mary, Joseph and the child Jesus.

(In memory of Mary A. Listoe and Frederick C. Listoe)

Window 3

In the third window there appears the forerunner of Jesus, John the Baptist, clad in his hair shirt and desert garb and pointing to the Lamb of God, who is to take away the sins of the world. This symbol stands for Christ, the Son of the living God. The fiery flames constitute the top symbol which reminds us of the text: "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but he that cometh after me shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire." The baptism of Christ took place in the River Jordan and this scene of Christ's baptism makes up the bottom panel.

(In memory of John Seeger)

Window 4

The fourth window reveals Peter with his keys. The name Peter means "The Rock." He was the oldest of the apostles and took a place of leadership among them. It has been men of this rock-like character to whom Christ has entrusted the keys of authority throughout the centuries. The top symbol is the inverted anchor and the fish which recalls to us the words of Christ: "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men." In the bottom section we see the calling of Peter.

(In memory of Anna S. Holl)

Window 5

In the fifth window we find Moses as he received the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. Once again we note the desert dress which includes both sandals and staff. In the top section we find the Ten Commandments as marked on the tablets of stone. In the bottom section, moving from the Old to the New Testament, we find Christ delivering to his disciples the Sermon on the Mount.

(In memory of Elvina Y. Seeger)

Window 6

The sixth and last window on this wall of the church shows us St. Stephen, the first martyr to give his life for Christ. Faith and loyalty are symbolized in the top panel by the cross. You will notice that the Saint's eyes are turned toward Heaven and we recall his words: "I see the Kingdom of Heaven open and the Son of God seated at the right hand of the Father." The bottom section depicts the martyrdom of this great Saint who was only in deacon's orders when he met his death by stoning.

(In memory of Genevieve M. Wolterstorff, Ida P. Munro and William Munro)

Window 7

The series of windows on the west wall begins with Christ crucified. If one closely observes this window, he will see the four letters above the head of Jesus which stand for the superscription: "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews." In the top panel is shown the hands of God the Father and they remind us of Christs' words, "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit." In the bottom section is Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her son as he is taken from the cross.

(In memory of Lillian E. Stephens)

Window 8

Christ's resurrection follows in the second window on the west side. We see Christ standing on the edge of the tomb, his hands raised in benediction. Above him is the eye which is the symbol of the Father, and the dove which is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. This window is at the same time a Trinity window because it depicts the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The bottom section represents Jesus with his two disciples as he pauses at Emmaus and breaks bread with his companions.

(In memory of Philip Herbert Hamm and Irene Grace Hamm)

Window 9

Continuing the life of Christ we have in this ninth window of the series the ascension of Christ. The Lamb with the book and seven seals as mentioned in the Book of Revelation forms the upper symbol. The bottom panel represents Pentecost with the descent of the Holy Spirit. To achieve a more perfect composition, only Peter, James, and John, the beloved disciples, are here represented. This panel calls to mind the words of Christ when he said, "I go to my Father and send you the Holy Spirit."

(In memory of Silas D. Zwight, John R. Byrne and the parents of Mrs. L. P. Meeker)

Window 10

The last window is dedicated to Saint Paul, the great apostle and missionary, for whom our city is named. At the top of the window is a ship which symbolizes the many missionary journeys of Paul - the Church is our ship which carries us over the way of life. In the lower section we see Paul on the road to Damascus when he saw a great light and heard our Lord's voice which called him to discipleship.

(Presented by Paul N. Delander and Family)

Rose Window

Moving toward the narthex of the Church of the Messiah, you see our modern Rose Window high above the choir balcony. This tracery window offers a new design in glass with the colors and light radiating from the Cross which overlooks Ford Parkway. The rays coming from the Cross shine into all parts of the church.

Next to the organ console is a St. Cecilia window dedicated to the patroness of music. It is necessary to enter the balcony to truly appreciate this smaller design.

As you leave this House of God, the story told in stained glass will linger in your hearts and minds. The Messiah's life seen in the beauty of European art glass as created by Peter Dohmen will remain through the years as an inspiration to all who worship in this parish church.