The Chancel Window

From the Ashes

The old brick church was destroyed in a fire on November 30th, 1930. As part of the new church construction, 21 stained glass windows were commissioned, which included the chancel window with a total cost of $2,000 from Jacoby Art Glass Co.

The first service held in the church was the Baccalaureate service in the spring of 1932. The chancel window was the gift of the Epworth League institute which had met at Baldwin since 1911.

A Window Speaks

The chancel window is deeply rooted in symbolism. The objects and icons hold meaning, and as each individual looks upon them they represent an idea. The window speaks to each of us differently.

In viewing, may this chancel window speak to you every day with mute messages of aspiration, hope, comfort, and victory!

Dr. Homer Kingsley Ebright

Dr. Homer Kingsley Ebright, former dean of the college at Baker University, provided a lecture on the chancel window. Entitled "The Chancel Window and its Symbolism," it shows his love of the church architecture and its window.

He had served as Chairman of the Building Committee during its construction in 1931-1932 and obviously felt a strong sense of achievement in this structure.

"The chancel window of the First United Methodist Church in Baldwin City Kansas represents a panoply of color and Christian symbolism. It is good to hear Professor Ebright's words heard again through succeeding generations. We see the window in reverential awe and hear again the words that describe poignant and beautifully new meaning."

- James Edward Doty, President, Baker University 1973

Dove

Face of Man

Dove

... the symbol of the dove, emblem of the Holy Spirit. Hear the words in Mark 1:10: "And straightway as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens rent asunder and the Holy Spirit as a dove descending upon him."

Lamb

Face of Man

Dove

... the symbol of the lamb. The student who can read and appreciate symbols thinks of this emblem and to him it spells "Christ." He will remember how John the Baptist cried out, "Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world." (John 1:29)

Face of Man

Matthew - face of a man: intelligence. This gospel emphasizes the teachings of Jesus.

Lion

Eagle

Face of Man

Mark - face of a lion: courage. Mark stresses the power and miracles of Christ.

Ox

Eagle

Luke - face of an ox: sacrifice and service exemplified in Jesus life.

Eagle

John - face of an eagle. John was more of a poet and philosopher than the other evangelists. He gives in poetic form the vision of the meaning of Christ. Thus the eagle stands for soaring vision.

The Chancel Window

From the Ashes

A Window Speaks

Dr. Homer Kingsley Ebright

THE CHANCEL WINDOW AND ITS SYMBOLISM

Dove

Face of Man

Dove

Lamb

Face of Man

Dove

Face of Man

Face of Man

Face of Man

Lion

Eagle

Face of Man

Ox

Eagle

Eagle

Eagle

Eagle

Eagle