Stained Glass
Stained glass has been used for centuries to adorn places of worship. When First Presbyterian Church was designed, the architects chose to use large panels of stained glass to decorate the walls and to allow ample light to fill the room.
The windows were designed by A. J. Andrew of the Kansas City Art Glass Company. Andrew also supervised the installation of the windows. They reflect the style made popular by Louis Comfort Tiffany, who used opalescent art glass in patterns to create the scenes. Very little painting was done on this type of glass. As many as five layers of glass are used to create some of the folds in the robes of the figures.
Each of the windows in the Sanctuary is based on a known religious painting. Mr. Andrew drew his stained glass “cartoons” to create the beautiful depiction of these paintings. The glass was cut from the patterns created by the cartoons. The pieces of glass are held together by lead “cames.”
Sanctuary Windows
The south transept window honors Robert E. Lawrence, early day Wichitan and long-time member of the church. It is called the “Commission Window” because it depicts Jesus teaching his Disciples and urging them to “go and teach all nations.” It is a composite picture designed by Mr. Andrew.
The north transept window honors James R. Mead, one of Wichita’s earliest settlers. The window, entitled “The Ascension” is a reproduction of a painting by Gottlieb Peter Bierman. The inscription “And lo, I am with you alway,” portrays the Disciples watching as Jesus ascends into Heaven. Like the south window, the window is 30 feet by 19 ½ feet.
Across the balcony is the window honoring Hiram Wheeler Lewis entitled “The Sheepfold.” It is based on Sybil Parker’s painting “The Door of the Fold.”
Completing the windows in the Sanctuary are three smaller ones, all honoring former ministers. The famous painting “Christ in Gethsemane” by Heinrich Hoffmann is in the Narthex and is best viewed from the center aisle of the Sanctuary. It honors Wilberforce K. Boggs, Organizing Pastor and Stated Supply. In the upper front corners are two more windows based on Hoffmann paintings. In the southwest corner is “Christ in the Home of Martha and Mary” and honors the Rev. J. D. Hewitt (Pastor 1879-1888). In the northwest corner is the well-known “Christ and the Woman of Samaria.” It honors the Rev. John P. Harsen (Pastor 1872-1879).
Stained glass was used to fill in all of the other windows of the building, though none had scenes. In the dome are many panes of colored glass that allow sunlight to wash the lower area of the room. Even the windows in the outer hallways were filled with colored glass. A few of the windows in the addition of 1961 contain a modern version of the originals. The large windows have been protected since 1913 with rib glass. Later a more modern covering was added. This accounts for the excellent condition of the large window.
Sara Blair Case Windows
In March 1935, the Case Memorial Building was dedicated. It provided three stories of classrooms, nurseries, parlors, and kitchens plus a chapel. All were badly needed since the Stone Church did not provide such facilities.
At the east end of the Third Floor is the stunning George Newell Window, “The Holy City.” It, along with the windows in the Chapel, were designed and installed by A. A. Leyendecker, who had been the assistant A. J. Andrew in the Sanctuary.
By the time these windows were designed, the art glass style had gone out of favor and an earlier style was back in vogue. These windows rely on much more painting to create the designs. The glass was fired at a high temperature after being painted. The colors are intense and vibrant. The gold colored glass in the Third Story window appears almost like fire early in the morning.
There are four more windows in the Chapel. The rear window is in honor of William C. and Anna Louise Little. It depicts three women at the empty tomb with the risen Christ dominating the scene in the center panel.
The north wall is filled by the window depicting “Christ at the Door” by Heinrich Hoffmann. It honors John Boys (1870-1924), a Wichita banker and member of the church.
The south wall contains two large windows. The southeast window is based on Bernard Plockhorst’s “Jesus Blessing the Children.” It honors O. D. Barnes, a prominent Wichita businessman and active church member.
The final window, “Come Unto Me” also based on a painting by Plockhorst, honors Finlay Ross. Ross was a prominent civic leader, three times mayor of Wichita, and successful businessman.
It is difficult to enter either of these worship spaces without being overcome with awe at their beauty. They seem to create a space in which the worshiper feels the special presence of God. The light, the color, and the images all speak in silent ways of the presence of the Almighty.
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