Stained Glass Windows

The eyes may be the “Window to the Soul”, but the stained glass windows at CUMC are the “Windows for the Soul.” And that’s just what their creator, Andrew Cary Young, of Pearl River Glass Studios, wants them to be. “It’s transformative to me and I hope that it is transformative to all who see it,” said Young.

The windows reflect the personality of the church and its members as well. Beginning in 1986, Andrew Young began working with Charlie Lott, the chairman of the Building Committee, to develop what is now the Crossbearer window. Since that time, Young has dreamed of completing the rest of the story of Christ in windows for the church. So when he was contacted about the new building plans, he was excited to finish the story.
The new building plans included our Trinity Rose window as well as six interior windows. These interior windows were more of a challenge since they are lit from behind with giant light boxes. The three windows on the right will show scenes from Jesus’ life; the windows on the left will consist of scenes after his death. The end windows on both sides and the Crossbearer window are three parts of the Incarnation of Christ. “Marianne Veazey was very involved with the set-up of the windows. She and her committee helped make sure that there was a logic and order to their placement,” said Young.

“We wanted the windows to be more than decorative. They tell the story. Our hopes are that they will be a preaching and teaching tool. If you learn the stories in the windows, then you have learned an encapsulated story of Christ and our faith,” said Marianne Veazey. Another committee member, Marcus Treadway, said, “I am very pleased with the windows. It’s great to see the vision the committee had in final form.”

Andrew Young shared a story about the visuals in the Parables and Miracles window design he created. In the window you see the rainbow representing God’s promise to us as well as loaves and fishes that represent God’s ability to provide and meet needs. In the bottom is a house built solidly on stone standing firm beside another house that was washed away in the storm. “Not only are these parables and miracles of Jesus, but they have additional meaning as well,” said Young. “During the flood of 1979, CUMC found its focus as it reached out to meet all the needs of the community.” Like the rainbow, the church reminded people of God’s promises to us. And as with the loaves and fishes, God provided through the church the ability to help those in need. The visual in the window of the house built on stone reminds us that placing our trust in God and not things of this world is where our strength is found.

Look at the windows closely, and you will find new inspiration in the details. “My biggest reward is having people tell me how the windows have affected them. At the ceremony for the Crossbearer window, before it was brought to the new building, people stood up sharing stories of that window and how it had touched them. For some it brought comfort during a funeral, for others it was a joyful symbol during a marriage or baptism, and many others told how it was a part of their worship experience in the sanctuary,” said Young.

Learn more by downloading our Stained Glass Brochure.