Forward by BPUMC Pastor
Reid Crotty
Stained glass art has been a
powerful medium for spreading the Gospel. In
earlier times when most people were illiterate, the beautiful windows in the
churches and cathedrals told the biblical stories and introduced the
biblical characters to Christians who weren't able to read the Bible. The
magnificent stained glass windows in Medieval cathedrals of Europe are still
inspiring worshipers today.
When plans were made to build a new sanctuary
at Bluff Park, it quickly
became apparent that their were two things our congregation wanted in its
new place of worship. One was a pipe organ, and the other was stained glass
windows. After considerable discussion, we decided that the theme of
the
windows should be "The Life of Christ." The windows would tell
His story
from the Nativity through the Ascension and His exaltation as Lord of All
Creation.
Several companies presented proposals to create the windows. Rohlf Studios
of Mt. Vernon, New York was selected for the project. The artist who
designed the windows was the legendary Frederick Cole, who was
artist-in-residence at Canterbury Cathedral in England. He supervised the
restoration of the windows at Canterbury Cathedral, and his work is found
all over the world.
Bluff Park was to be Mr. Cole's final project. After completing design
work
for all the windows except one, he suffered a fatal heart attack. Mr.
Cole
was working on the Rose Window at the time of his
death. The window was
completed by his long time assistant, Ronald Page.
All of the windows were given by members of the congregation. We were
pleasantly surprised that all 19 windows were given at the very
beginning.
We had expected it to take several years for donors to be found for all of
them.
Response to the windows has been gratifying. Not only are they beautiful,
but they keep our focus squarely on Jesus Christ. Worshipers in the
sanctuary are surrounded by the story of His life. Each window is a
sermon
in itself, and we have been blessed by these wonderful works of art.
Reid Crotty
Senior Minister
December 6, 2000
