LA CANADA CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

About all the Windows

WINDOW #1

Theme: CHRIST KNOCKING AT THE DOOR

Features: This is the tiffany-style window from which our Church receives its name (the church’s name was changed in 1954). This is the largest stain-glass window in the church. In 1974, the Sanctuary interior was reoriented from West to East, so that the window now presides over the Chancel area.

Scripture: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20)

Dedication: from the Lanterman family in memory of Ammoretta and Jacob Lanterman, who helped to organize our original church. Presented April 9, 1925.

WINDOW #2

Theme: ABRAHAM LINCOLN

Inscription: "All that I am I owe to my angel Mother."

Features: The young Abraham Lincoln sits next to his mother, reading the Bible. A small picture of the nation’s Capitol is in the upper left of the window, heralding Lincoln’s destiny.

Dedication: In memory of Mrs. Kate LeLansky by her son, Dr. Ross LeLansky, February, 1957.

WINDOW #3

Theme: PILGRIM FAMILY

Scripture: "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on earth." Hebrew 11:13

Features: Father, mother, child, walking together to the "meeting house" for worship. The story of the people of Plymouth is the story of Congregationalism’s roots.

Dedication: In memory of Dell A. Schweitzer by his wife Erma, February, 1953.

WINDOW #4

Theme: Open Bible, turned to the Book of Ezekiel

Scripture: "Seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you."

Features: The second oldest stained glass window in our church, this was installed prior to the dedication of the present sanctuary building on December 24, 1924. This one is not a memorial, but was given by those who worked on the construction of the Sanctuary building, and remains as a permanent consecration of their labors. Eziekiel’s prophecy proclaimed the holiness of God, the righteousness of His judgment, and the power of His Presence.

Dedication: Gift from the Workmen who built the sanctuary.

WINDOW #5

Theme: THE CHILDHOOD OF CHRIST

Scripture: "Jesus increased in wisdom and stature." (Luke 2:52)

Features: Upper window depicts the boy Jesus observing his mother engaged in domestic tasks. The middle scene shows Jesus and his father sharing in the skills of carpentry. The lower scene pictures the 12-year old Jesus lingering in Jerusalem at the temple "sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions." (Luke 2:46)

Dedication: Gift of Mrs. George Van Horn in memory of her mother, Ella Langstaff.

WINDOW #6

Theme: THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE ON THE MOUNT OF OLIVES

Scripture: Matthew 26:26-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46.

Features: Jesus agonizes in prayer, before his betrayal there by Judas. He prays with eyes wide open, knowing the events that will follow. The disciples below him pray with their eyes closed. They are asleep and lack both stamina and understanding. At the top and bottom of the window are symbols of resurrection, the crown and the cloth-draped cross, representing Easter.

Dedication: Given in memory of Emily Jarvis Earl Fowler on October 17, 1925.

WINDOW #7

Theme: THE RISEN CHRIST

Scripture: Matthew 27:51, Hebrews 10:19-20.

Features: A vision of ascension, this window declares that in Christ’s triumph, the curtain between holiness and humanity has been opened. Rose-colored rays halo the figure that is framed in a sky of stars and clouds. The faces of the disciples below show the variety of emotions evoked by the Resurrection: joy, disbelief, fear, and wonder. The cup (above) and the cross (below) represent the suffering of Christ.

The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet preside over the window proclaiming that the gracious purposes of God revealed in Jesus Christ belong to both ends of history, its creation and its destiny. "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." (Revelation 22:13) Alpha relates to a pair of compasses, an attribute of God the Creator; omega is similar to a torch, the fire of apocalyptic destruction.

Dedication: Gift in memory of Edwin T. Earl on January 2, 1919. He was the inventor of the refrigerated railroad car and publisher of the Los Angeles Express newspaper.

WINDOW #8

Theme: CHRISTIAN CHARITY

Scripture: "This woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did." (Acts 9:36) [See also Acts 19:40 that tells about her being raised from death by the apostle Peter.]

Features: These words were written about a disciple in Joppa named Dorcas (Greek) or Tabitha (Aramaic), a woman of great compassion and kindness. The upper part of window shows a woman bringing food to hungry children. Dorcas was raised from death by the apostle Peter who was summoned by her grieving friends, who showed him all the clothing she had made during years of service. The lower picture in the window shows the reunion with her friends. (Acts 19:40). In the center of the window is a representation of Christ. The flowering vine is a reference to John 15:1, "I am the true vine." Christ holds the communion cup, through which the fruit of the vine becomes the symbol of God’s gift of Himself.

Dedication: Given in memory of Mrs. Editha Towne Green.

WINDOW #9

Theme: CHRIST HOLDING A STAFF

Scripture: "The great shepherd of the sheep." (Hebrews 13:20) "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (John 10:11) Paul’s words are at the bottom of the window: "Greet the church that is in their house." (Romans 16:5)

Features: Did you know there are more than 500 references to shepherds and sheep in the Bible? Sheep represent the basic livelihood of the people of the Old Testament. The upper window depicts Abraham, Israel’s first great patriarch, rendering a burnt offering of a sheep. Smoke rises. The lower part of the window depicts the friendship between Paul and Lydia (Acts 16:11-15). In Philippi Paul encountered a woman named Lydia. She was a wealthy woman—a merchant of purple-dyed goods brought from Thyatira. After hearing and speaking with Paul, she and her household were baptized and she then extended her hospitality to Paul and his companions.

Dedication: Given in memorial to Daniel Johnson Green and S. Lulu Green.

WINDOW #10

Theme: GOD’S KINGDOM OF PEACE

Scripture: "The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them." (Isaiah 11:6)

Features: This window links the Old Testament promise of Isaiah with the New Testament Gospel of Jesus. It is God’s will that harmony replace conflict and that love redeem adversity.

Dedication: October 18, 1981, in memory of James Clark Holland (1958-1975), by his parents Marjorie and Philip.

WINDOW #11

Theme: THE FAMILY OF GOD

Scripture: "Look toward heaven, and number the stars.…So shall thy seed be." (Genesis 15:5)

Features: Abraham and Sarah, the great father and mother of God’s Old Testament people, are standing on rocks, recalling the great test of Abraham’s faith when he prepared to sacrifice his only son Issac on a rock altar. God instead provided a ram for sacrifice, then reestablished his covenant with the family that would descend from Abraham and Sarah. The tent behind them reminds us of a nomadic people, who have no permanent home, but move from place to place.

A scene in the lower window depicts a modern family gathered around a table for a meal, and reminds of us of the family of the Church, where the Lord’s Table is the focus of our common meals.

Dedication: November 19, 1981, in memory of Bertram and Madeline Willis, given by their daughter, Kathleen Craig, and her family.

WINDOW #12

Theme: KING DAVID

Scripture: "The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David." (Revelation 5:5); "The Lord is my Shepherd." (Psalms 23:1) "O come, let us sing to the lord." (Psalms 95:1)

Features: Depicts the youth David, the Old Testament hero who became king of his people. The lion at the top of the window is a symbol of kingliness and royal power. David was author of many of the Psalms, including the 23rd Psalms, whose opening words appear on the window: "The Lord is my Shepherd." The sheep beside David recalls the pastoral relationship (verse 1). They rest together in "green pastures" (verse 2), "Beside still waters" (verse 3). David holds the "staff" (verse 4) of the Lord’s protective companionship through every circumstance of life, even "the valley of the shadow of death." In David’s hand is also a lyre, because the Psalms are songs and David was a lover of music. The bottom of the window depicts a contemporary youth choir joining in the chorus of the ages.

Dedication: To Youth and Music in the Church, by Barry’s classmates, parents, relatives and friends." In memory of Barry Constable.

WINDOW #13

Theme: ESTHER, THE QUEEN

Scripture: "Esther found favor in the eyes of all who saw her." (Esther 2:15)

Features: Esther, whose story is told in the Old Testament book that bears her name, is depicted here with symbols of her royalty, the crown and scepter. In her hand is the scroll of the tradition of her people. The pillars suggest both palace and temple. At the bottom of the window is a group of contemporary women joining hands and prayers in a circle of faith.

Dedication: June 29, 1980 in memory of Esther Appleton, made possible by her husband, Harry.

WINDOW #14

Theme: SAMUEL AND THE HIGH PRIEST ELI

Scripture: Young boy Samuel and the high priest Eli, under whose tutelage Samuel was dedicated to the Lord by his parents. (I Samuel 1:28)

Features: Smoking censer at the top of the window represents worship in the temple. At the bottom of the window is depicted the sacrament of infant Baptism. Like the parents of Samuel, these parents formally present their child in a service of dedication.

Dedication: Memorial to Ronald Keith Appleton.

WINDOW #15

Theme: MOSES

Scripture: "Do not come near; put of your shoes from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground." (Exodus 3:5)

Features: Depicts Moses at a critical moment in his life. He is living in the land of Midian, having fled there as a young man from Egypt after killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew. He is now a husband and father, as well as the shepherd of his father-in-law’s flock. While tending that flock, Moses receives a revelation from God. The sign of revelation is a burning bush, with a flame of fire that does not consume the bush. As Moses marvels at the sight, the Lord speaks to him. Notice that Moses has removed his sandals.

Dedication: to Marshall and Willie Topping, made possible by their sons, Bill and Tom.

WINDOW #16

Theme: RUTH AND NAOMI

Scripture: "Your people shall be my people, and your God my God." (Ruth 1:16)

Theme: Two women gleaning grain amidst the sheaves in the fields recalling the story of Ruth and Naomi, whose mutual devotion and kindness transcended their national origins. The green and fertile tree in the background recalls the promise of God made in Eden’s garden. The doves in the clouds and the rainbow in the sky echo those promises as they culminated in the covenant God made with Noah.

Dedication: January 21, 1990, in memory of Lillian Webb, by her son, Ray Webb.

WINDOW #17

Theme: PROMISE OF JEREMIAH

Scripture: "The days are coming when I shall make a new covenant." (Jeremiah 31:31) "I will put my law within them and I will write it upon their hearts…I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." (Jeremiah 31: 33-34)

Theme: This windows shows us the connection between the Old Testament promise of Jeremiah and the New Testament gospel of Jesus. The old covenant with Israel was based on the demands of the law—the commandments and the penalties they exacted. God speaks through Jeremiah of a new covenant. The dove and the rays of light in the window anticipate the baptism of Jesus, when the spirit descended upon him "like a dove: and God calls him His beloved Son" (Mark 1:10-11)

Dedication: March 13, 1988, a memorial to Chuck and Gene Curtis. Given by their children, Carol, Dan, and Bill.

WINDOW #18

Theme: HE IS RISEN

Scripture: "Do not be afraid: for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has risen, as he said." (Matthew 28:5-6)

Features: Depicts the scene of the Easter Resurrection. At the top is the figure of Christ, bearing the staff and red banner of victory over death. The angel in light green tells Mary Magdalene, who is robed in a mauve golden headdress, A soldier, guarding the tomb, has been dazzled by the light, has covered his eyes, and turned away. The bell at the bottom of the window rings forth the triumphant news of the Resurrection.

Dedication: In memory of Stella G. Reavis and W. Elmo Reavis.

WINDOW #19

Theme: TEACH US TO PRAY

Scripture: "He was praying in a certain place, and when he ceased, one his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray.’" (Luke 11:1)

Features: One of the disciples, in a green robe, kneeling before Jesus, asks Jesus, "Teach us to pray." In the background of the window is a little boat, an early symbol of the Church, representing the pulpit for Christ’s teaching, a sanctuary for his protection, a nave for his resurrection. The ring-entwined cross at the top of the window symbolizes marriage and the home, and the open Bible at the bottom of the window reminds us that prayer goes hand-in-hand with studying the Bible.

Dedication: In Memory of Lucille B. Curtiss.

WINDOW #20

Theme: GO YE AND PREACH

Scripture: "Go …to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And preach as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 10:6-7)

Features: Jesus is surrounded by the twelve disciples as He commissions them to declare the gospel. The bottom of the window is our own church.

Dedication: In memory of Percy Hamilton Johnson and family.

WINDOW #21

Theme: COME UNTO ME

Scripture: "Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." (Mark 10:14) "Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." (Mark 10:15)

Features: Jesus is surrounded by children of all ages. The lilies and flowers at the top and the bottom of the window recall Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.

Dedication: In Memory of Esther H. Housner.

WINDOW #22

Theme: PEACE ON EARTH

Scripture: "On earth peace," declared a multitude of the heavenly host at the birth of Jesus." (Luke 2:14)

Features: This window is about the birth of Jesus, the Nativity Story. The baby Jesus is cradled in the arms of his mother. The father and shepherd stand nearby, with the animals. The dove symbolizes God’s saving presence. Behind the baby, we see a cross, reminding us of his future.

Dedication: In Memory of Richard Randolph Shinn.

WINDOW #23

Theme: CHRIST IN PROPHECY

Scripture: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

Features: Depiction of Old Testament prophet Isaiah. Above Isaiah is a medallion of the hand of God in a field of red, the color of sacrifice. The red staff in the hand of the prophet represents the presence and authority of God among his people. In the lower window, an angel proclaims with trumpet the good news that the Messiah will come. The single star in the upper portion, signifies the monotheistic insight of the Old Testament: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord." (Deuteronomy 6:4) Three stars in the lower portion of the window represent the Trinitarian insight of the New Testament: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Dedication: A memorial to Maude Bartling.

WINDOW #24

Theme: LILLIES

Scripture: Lillies are mentioned in Hosea: "He shall blossom as the lily;" in the Song of Solomon, "I am…a lily of the valleys;" and "Consider the lilies of the field," said Jesus as he taught his disciples about God’s Kingdom.

Features: Lillies are associated with the spirit of holiness and hope, and Easter. The lily is used as an emblem of purity and as a symbol and attribute of the Virgin Mary.

Dedication: to Jacob and Ammoretta Lanterman in whose home the church was formally organized. This window was part of the original building until the present sanctuary was dedicated in 1924; it had been installed in the Youth Center, then stored, and then installed as a centerpiece in the new Administration Building.

WINDOW #25

Theme: CHRIST WELCOMING AND BLESSING THE CHILDREN

Location: a circular stained glass window in the north wall of the Youth Room facing Foothill Blvd (second floor Christian Education Center).

Scripture: Mark 10:13-16; Matthew 19: 13-15; Luke 18: 15-17.

Feature: The scene is reminiscent of occasions during Jesus’ ministry when he would welcome the company of children and blessing them.

Dedication: It memorializes children of the Vlasek and Warden families.

WINDOW #26

Theme: MARRIAGE AND THE TRINITY

Location: The Bride’s Room (east of Fellowship Hall)

Scripture: Genesis: "Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh." And Mark 10:7-9: "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’

Features: A man and woman joining hands and embracing one another. Circles are a prominent symbol in the window, recalling a wedding ring, Three major circles in the window surround the couple, symbolizing the Trinity—the completeness of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Dedication: to Ruth Emerson made possible by her family.

Designed & hosted by Vantage Media Marketing Inc.