Stained Glass Windows
Updated 07/16/2019
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HISTORY OF STAINED GLASS
The majority of people in today’s society are all too familiar with the presence of Stained Glass Windows without truly appreciating their origin or significance. Most individuals would agree that a beautifully lit stained glass window is both heart-warming and visually pleasing. Stained Glass Windows are most commonly associated with churches or other religiously significant structures, but the origin of stain glass is believed to have begun approximately two thousand years ago with wealthy Romans whose villas and palaces were enhanced by stained glass windows. At this time, stained glass was considered more of a luxury than a form of art.
A few hundred years later, stained glass (as an art form) began finding its way into churches and other houses of worship. One of the earliest surviving examples of pictorial stained glass features the Head of Christ and is dated from the tenth century. This relic was excavated from the Lorsch Abbey located in Germany. With the development of medieval architecture, stained glass assumed a symbolic importance. Not only did it provide illumination into the structure, but the beautiful, softly filtered light was regarded as “divine” in nature.
Pictorial scenes or icons began appearing in stained glass within the church. One theory for the appearance of these pictures (other than the mere visual aesthetics) is that many of the early individuals who attended church were illiterate and could not read the Bible or Scriptures. By integrating popular imagery from Christianity into these visually appealing windows, it drew the attention of the congregation to these scenes in order to both stimulate curiosity as well as remind them of biblical teachings. Although its initial purpose may have evolved over the years, no one can easily dispute that stained glass has become one of the most beautiful forms of artistic expression.
In 1903, the St. John’s Church of Auburn, Pennsylvania underwent extensive repairs and renovations. The original rectangular, functional clear glass windows were removed and replaced with the beautiful stained glass windows present today. In 1981, St. John’s Church congregational member Mrs. E. Stuart Filbert produced a booklet pertaining to the history and significance of these windows. This booklet, titled appropriately “Stained Glass Windows (St. John Church, Auburn, Pennsylvania 1981)” not only provided a brief history of the acquisition of these windows, but also included an inventory listing of each window to include a description of the pictorial icon, Mrs. Filberts interpretation of the icon’s significance, and a brief biography of the donor or individual to whom the window was dedicated. Mrs. Filbert and those who assisted her did a great job compiling this history. As a result, much of the information contained within this chapter comes directly from her history booklet. The primary objective of this chapter is to further enhance Mrs. Filbert’s efforts by featuring full-color pictures of every window, icon and dedication to provide the reader an opportunity to fully appreciate the beauty of these wonderfully divine stained glass windows.
The majority of people in today’s society are all too familiar with the presence of Stained Glass Windows without truly appreciating their origin or significance. Most individuals would agree that a beautifully lit stained glass window is both heart-warming and visually pleasing. Stained Glass Windows are most commonly associated with churches or other religiously significant structures, but the origin of stain glass is believed to have begun approximately two thousand years ago with wealthy Romans whose villas and palaces were enhanced by stained glass windows. At this time, stained glass was considered more of a luxury than a form of art.
A few hundred years later, stained glass (as an art form) began finding its way into churches and other houses of worship. One of the earliest surviving examples of pictorial stained glass features the Head of Christ and is dated from the tenth century. This relic was excavated from the Lorsch Abbey located in Germany. With the development of medieval architecture, stained glass assumed a symbolic importance. Not only did it provide illumination into the structure, but the beautiful, softly filtered light was regarded as “divine” in nature.
Pictorial scenes or icons began appearing in stained glass within the church. One theory for the appearance of these pictures (other than the mere visual aesthetics) is that many of the early individuals who attended church were illiterate and could not read the Bible or Scriptures. By integrating popular imagery from Christianity into these visually appealing windows, it drew the attention of the congregation to these scenes in order to both stimulate curiosity as well as remind them of biblical teachings. Although its initial purpose may have evolved over the years, no one can easily dispute that stained glass has become one of the most beautiful forms of artistic expression.
In 1903, the St. John’s Church of Auburn, Pennsylvania underwent extensive repairs and renovations. The original rectangular, functional clear glass windows were removed and replaced with the beautiful stained glass windows present today. In 1981, St. John’s Church congregational member Mrs. E. Stuart Filbert produced a booklet pertaining to the history and significance of these windows. This booklet, titled appropriately “Stained Glass Windows (St. John Church, Auburn, Pennsylvania 1981)” not only provided a brief history of the acquisition of these windows, but also included an inventory listing of each window to include a description of the pictorial icon, Mrs. Filberts interpretation of the icon’s significance, and a brief biography of the donor or individual to whom the window was dedicated. Mrs. Filbert and those who assisted her did a great job compiling this history. As a result, much of the information contained within this chapter comes directly from her history booklet. The primary objective of this chapter is to further enhance Mrs. Filbert’s efforts by featuring full-color pictures of every window, icon and dedication to provide the reader an opportunity to fully appreciate the beauty of these wonderfully divine stained glass windows.
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DESIGNATION: “CHALICE” – THE CUP
LOCATION: SOUTH WALL; THIRD ON LEFT UPON ENTERING
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DESIGNATION: “CHALICE” – THE CUP
HISTORY OF THE ICON – Matthew 26:27; Mark 14:23; Luke 22:20 & I Corinthians 11:25 all refer to “Jesus taking the cup” and from this we recognize the ceremony of “The Lord’s Supper” – our Communion Service. Also, in John 18:11, we read “Then said Jesus unto Peter, put thy sword into the sheath; the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?” This represents Jesus’ commitment to his father. DEDICATION BIOGRAPHY –
John H. Fahl and (his) Wife were parents to five children. Mr. Fahl was born in West Brunswick Township in 1872 to a family whose ancestry traced back to Indian days. He was an active citizen of the community, serving on the Board of Trade, the School Board, the Bank Board, as well as serving as Post Master. Mrs. Elizabeth (Ebling) Fahl was also from a pioneer family. She once stated that the stones for the foundation of the church were hauled from her grandfather’s farm. |
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DESIGNATION: CHALICE AND SERPENT
LOCATION: NE-CORNER; E-WALL; IMMEDIATE RIGHT UPON ENTERING
NOTE: The only pictures available of this particular window during the creation of this web-page were not up to our standards due to poor exterior illumination when the picture(s) had been taken. If someone has a well-illuminated and focused quality picture of this particular window, we would appreciate if you could forward a copy of this picture to us so the window might receive the distinction it rightly deserves. All communications can be sent via the "Visitor Input" button featured at the bottom of this page.
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DESIGNATION: CHALICE AND SERPENT
HISTORY OF THE ICON –
This icon symbolizes a traditional tale that someone wished to kill St. John and placed a poisonous serpent in his cup (chalice). God spared the life of St. John, who lived to an old age. St. John was the only one of the disciples, the tradition says, to die a natural death. DEDICATION BIOGRAPHY – William Holland remains somewhat of an unknown individual as all efforts by Mrs. E. Stuart Filbert to gather information about this donor were unproductive. Abraham Holland was buried in the St. John’s Cemetery in 1916 at 83 years of age. The Reverend H. H. Krauss notated the burial records with the notation of “the father of William Holland”. The graves of Abraham Holland & his wife, Lavina (Mengel) Holland were located in the cemetery, but no grave was found for William. |
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DESIGNATION: CROSS AND GARLANDS
LOCATION: SE-CORNER; E-WALL; IMMEDIATE LEFT UPON ENTERING |
DESIGNATION: CROSS AND GARLANDS
HISTORY OF THE ICON – Crucifixion (literally translating to affixing an individual to a cross) was one of the most humiliating & painful forms of torture. The cross has come to represent the horrible suffering Christ endured for our sins, but the garlands in this symbol are a contrast of life over death. This icon reminds us that Jesus suffered pain and physical death in order that mankind might inherit eternal life. DEDICATION BIOGRAPHY – Abraham Wildermuth traveled from Germany at twelve years of age. He later developed a fine farm in West Brunswick Township. He served as a member of early church councils. His sons and their many descendants also became active members of St. John’s Church. Some Wildermuth descendants include not only other Wildermuths but also Deglers, Dietrichs and Yeagers. |
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DESIGNATION: CROWN OF THORNS
LOCATION: NE – CORNER; N – WALL; FIRST ON RIGHT UPON ENTERING |
DESIGNATION: CROWN OF THORNS
HISTORY OF THE ICON – A “crown” fashioned of thorn branches was placed upon the head of Jesus prior to his crucifixion. Intended to cause him pain as well as mock his title of “King of the Jews”, the crown of thorns has evolved into a noble symbol epitomizing the suffering and the sacrifice which Jesus endured for mankind.
“And they clothed Him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it upon His head. And began to salute Him, Hail, King of the Jews.” Mark 15: 17,18. “See from His head, His Hands, His feet; Sorrow and love flow mingled down. Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown?” – Isaac Watts 1707 DEDICATION BIOGRAPHY – Peter and “Marion” Mengel are listed as the donors for this window. Peter was the son of Conrad and Susannah Mengel. He lived on a farm in West Brunswick township until his death in 1878. However, Peter Mengel’s wife was named Mary A. (nee Faust) Mengel, who survived him. Since no living relatives could be found in 1981 to clarify the matter, it may be surmised that the “Marion” shown on the window may have been a misinterpretation by its designer. It is reasonable to believe that perhaps Peter’s wife’s name, Mary A., might have stood for “Mary Anne”. |
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DESIGNATION: DOVE AND FONT
LOCATION: N-WALL; THIRD ON RIGHT UPON ENTERING |
DESIGNATION: DOVE AND FONT
HISTORY OF THE ICON –
The ascending dove points heaven-ward, reminding us of Pentecost. The baptismal font reminds us of the importance of Baptism. “Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:19 & 20 DEDICATION BIOGRAPHY – James W. Fahl was born in West Brunswick Township in 1837. He was the son of John D. & Catharine (Reber) Fahl, and was a descendant of a family whose ancestry traced back to the beginning of settlements in this area. Mr. Fahl was a farmer and was an active member of the Consistory. He also assisted in writing one of the Constitutions of the Church. James W. Fahl and his wife Amanda (Dietrich) Fahl were the parents of John H. Fahl (who was the donor of this window). James William Fahl died in 1917. |
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DESIGNATION: FAITH, HOPE AND CHARITY
LOCATION: S-WALL; LEFT SIDE OF NARTHEX NOTE: The only pictures available of this particular window during the creation of this web-page were not up to our standards due to poor exterior illumination when the picture(s) had been taken. If someone has a well-illuminated and focused quality picture of this particular window, we would appreciate if you could forward a copy of this picture to us so the window might receive the distinction it rightly deserves. All communications can be sent via the "Visitor Input" button featured at the bottom of this page.
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DESIGNATION: FAITH, HOPE AND CHARITY
HISTORY OF THE ICON –
St. Sophia (the Saint of Wisdom) was a widow with three daughters…Faith (age 12), Hope (age 10) and Charity (age 9). The four were summoned before Roman Emperor Hadrian and were commanded to honor Artemis (the Roman Mythological Goddess). The four refused and instead gave recognition to Jesus Christ. The emperor had the three girls removed one by one to be tortured, beaten, stabbed and then burnt. Throughout their plight, St. Sophia urged them to hold firm to their faith and belief in everlasting life. DEDICATION BIOGRAPHY – The (Ladies) Aid Society was an organization which began as a grass-roots effort to provide assistance to others but solidified as an actual organization during the course of the Civil War. These women would support the war effort as part of their patriotic duty by packing lunches, mending clothing, sewing uniforms and flags, collecting quilts, blankets, clothing and food to give to the soldiers. Some estimates believe there were over 20,000 “Ladies Aid Societies” in the North by the end of the Civil War. After the hostilities ceased and the war ended, most of these societies continued operating for many years performing other acts of kindness and benevolence. |
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DESIGNATION: “I – N – R – I” RIBBON
LOCATION: SE-CORNER; S-WALL; FIRST ON LEFT UPON ENTERING |
DESIGNATION: “I – N – R – I” RIBBON
HISTORY OF THE ICON – This inscription is an acronym for the translated term “Jesus” (I); Nazareth (N); “King” (R); and “Jews” (I). The inscription was placed above the head of Jesus as he hung upon the Cross. Pontius Pilate wrote the phrase, which means “Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews”, to hang upon the cross. DEDICATION BIOGRAPHY – The Bible Class (of 1903) was a group of dedicated and devoted individuals who were the donors of this beautiful stained glass window. As of the time of this publication, the exact identity of all of the class members is uncertain. As of 1905, it is known that Frank L. Brown, the town’s renowned pharmacist and entrepreneur, was the leader of the Bible Class, but it uncertain as to whether or not he held that position two years earlier. |
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DESIGNATION: LAMP AND BIBLE
LOCATION: N-WALL; SECOND ON RIGHT UPON ENTERING NOTE: The only pictures available of this particular window during the creation of this web-page were not up to our standards due to poor exterior illumination when the picture(s) had been taken. If someone has a well-illuminated and focused quality picture of this particular window, we would appreciate if you could forward a copy of this picture to us so the window might receive the distinction it rightly deserves. All communications can be sent via the "Visitor Input" button featured at the bottom of this page.
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DESIGNATION: LAMP AND BIBLE
HISTORY OF THE ICON –
The Lamp featured within this icon is symbolic of the incense burning lamp used in religious services. “Let my prayer be set forth before Thee as incense.” Psalm 141:2 The Bible depicted in the icon represents “The Word of God” which is the foundation of all Christianity. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light upon my pathway.” Psalm 119:105 DEDICATION BIOGRAPHY – Frederick and Annie Schultz were the parents of a daughter and two sons. Frederick Schultz was the grandson of Dr. Augustus Schultz (who is commemorated on another window at St. John’s Church). He was a merchant for many years as was his father and grandfather. His wife, Annie (Reber) Schultz, was the daughter of Mrs. J. K. Reber. She was a lifelong member of St. John’s until her death at 98 years of age. She was also a Charter Member of the Women’s Missionary Society since its inception in 1905. |
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DESIGNATION: “PRAISE YE” –
GOLDEN TRUMPETS LOCATION: SW-CORNER; S-WALL; FOURTH ON LEFT UPON ENTERING |
DESIGNATION: “PRAISE YE” –
GOLDEN TRUMPETS HISTORY OF THE ICON –
The subject of this icon is that of giving praise to the Lord as well as heralding heavenly pronouncements with the sounding of the trumpets. It receives its inspiration from the many instructions and commands to the people of God to praise their God and to give thanks always. “Blow up the trumpet in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day”. Psalm 81:3 “Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endureth forever.” Psalm 106:1 DEDICATION BIOGRAPHY – The A. K. Frederici Family was both talented and interested in music. Mr. Frederici was a choir leader and organist. He played the organ which had been presented to the church by his family. He was organist from 1892 until 1902 and was choir leader for a much longer period. He was a merchant in Auburn, conducting his business at the corner of Market and Second Streets. He died in 1932 at 87 years of age. His three sons and one daughter all were either talented or interested in music. This window serves as a fitting tribute. |
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DESIGNATION: REVELATION LAMB
LOCATION: NW-CORNER; N-WALL; FOURTH ON RIGHT UPON ENTERING |
DESIGNATION: REVELATION LAMB
HISTORY OF THE ICON –
This icon features a banner depicting the Day of Judgment alongside of a “Lamb” (which has been a symbol for Jesus Christ) lying upon the “Book” (Bible) from which the Seven Seals are fastened. “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing…blessing and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever.” Revelation 5:12 & 13. DEDICATION BIOGRAPHY – J. K. Reber and Wife conducted their mercantile business at the corner of Third and Market Streets in Auburn. He was considered a very dedicated and devout member who served as Elder in the church from 1892 until the time of his death in 1911 at 73 years of age. He also served on the committee which chose the picture to be replicated as a painting for the altar. The committee chose the picture which they then gave to the Reverend Weller, who completed the painting with the assistance of his daughter. |
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DESIGNATION: STAR – PALM - BIBLE
LOCATION: SOUTH WALL; SECOND ON LEFT UPON ENTERING |
DESIGNATION: STAR – PALM - BIBLE
HISTORY OF THE ICON –
The five pointed star – the star of Bethlehem – attracts our attention at first glance. This “Star in the East”, seen and followed by Shepherds and Wise Men, and designed to announce the birth of the Messiah, belongs properly with the Palm which attests to Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem as King, Ruler and Messiah. From earliest times the Jews had been look for deliverance from bondage. From their search of the Scripture (The Book) they naturally expected a mighty ruler with a strong army. Therefore, they greeted Jesus with Palms – as they would have greeted a mighty king. Leviticus 23:40; Matthew 2:9; John 12:12-13. This also attests to Revelations 22:16 which reads: “I am the root and off-spring of David, and the bright and morning star”. DEDICATION BIOGRAPHY – Dr. Augustus Schultz was born in Germany in 1800. After receiving a good medical education, he left Germany and traveled first to Brazil then New York before eventually arriving in Hamburg, PA from where he came to Auburn. He was a Doctor of Medicine, engaged in various business projects and served as Auburn’s first Chief Burgess from the time of the town’s incorporation in 1857 until his death in 1871. He married Catherine Hass in 1829 and they were parents to thirteen children. One son, Dr. David Schultz, practiced medicine in Auburn. |
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DESIGNATION: UNIDENTIFIED/UNTITLED
LOCATION: N-WALL; RIGHT SIDE OF NARTHEX BEHIND BULLETIN BOARD |
DESIGNATION: UNIDENTIFIED/UNTITLED
At the time of this publication, as well as during Mrs. E. Stuart Filbert’s compilation of the history of the Stained Glass windows located within St. John’s Church of Auburn in 1981, this unidentified and thus untitled stained glass window could only be seen from the “rear” side of the window by proceeding from the Narthex down the stairs toward the basement. The front of this window is completely hidden from view by the installation of a wall on which the bulletin board is located within the Narthex. No record could be found detailing the title, topic or commemoration of this particular window. If you have definitive information pertaining to this window, please contact the A.A.H.S. website using the contact form which can be accessed by clicking upon the Visitors Input button below in order that we might update this entry. Thank you. |