THE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS Of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Sheboygan Falls, WI The stained glass windows were created in 1915 for a new church building at 621 Broadway in downtown Sheboygan Falls. Eighty years later (1995) the congregation relocated to 730 County Road PPP, and the windows from the Broadway church were refitted into the new sanctuary.
DOVE WINDOW As you enter the main entrance to the church this circular window is on the wall of the office area on your right. The dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. In the late 1840 s the window was in a Congregational Church which disbanded. This church was then purchased and used by St. Paul s until the Broadway church was built. The window was then stored in various places until being rediscovered in St. Paul s belfry. In 1982 the Albertin family had it restored in memory of Rev. Edward Albertin who was pastor of St. Paul s from 1939 to 1982. 2
ANGELS ANNOUNCE THE BIRTH OF JESUS This scene is in the lower right side of the large window in the Gathering Area. It pictures the Shepherds as they hear the good news from the Angel: Don t be afraid! Today your Savior, Christ the Lord, was born in David s city (Luke 2) 3
THE ESCAPE TO EGYPT On the other side (left) Mary and Joseph take the baby Jesus to Egypt to escape the soldiers of King Herod (Matthew 2) who attempted to kill the promised King of the Jews. 4
THE ASCENSION OF JESUS The largest part of the window in the Gathering Area portrays Jesus moments before His ascension into heaven. Then Jesus took them to a place near Bethany. There he raised his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken to heaven. (Luke 24:50-51). Please note the nail scars in His hands. One hand reaches out to help and the other is raised in blessing over all who follow Him. And remember that I am always with you until the end of time. (Matthew 28:20) 5
THE GOSPEL WRITERS The four men to the upper right and left of the Gathering Area window represent Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. God chose them to record the teachings of Jesus and the events surrounding His life, death, and resurrection from the dead. 6
JESUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD As you face the Altar in the center aisle of the church, the first window to your left (east) is the comforting picture of Jesus The Good Shepherd. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep. (John 10:11) My sheep respond to my voice, and I know who they are. They follow me, and I give them eternal life. (John 10:27-28) 7
JESUS WITH MARY & MARTHA The next window to the right facing the organ portrays Jesus visit to the home of Martha and Mary. Martha is upset because Mary sat and listened to Jesus instead of helping her serve the meal. Jesus replied: Martha, Martha! You worry and fuss about a lot of things. There s only one thing you need. Mary has made the right choice (Luke 10:41-42) 8
JESUS WALKING ON THE WATER As you face the Altar in the center aisle of the church, look to your right to the picture of Jesus reaching down to catch Peter. This is the well known account of Peter asking to walk on the water to Jesus. But when he noticed how strong the wind was, he became afraid and started to sink. He shouted, Lord, save me. Immediately, Jesus reached out, caught hold of him and said, Why did you doubt? (Matthew 14: 22-32) 9
JESUS ON THE ROAD TO EMMAUS The other large window on the southwest side is the appearance of the resurrected Jesus to disciples on the road to Emmaus. This portrays just two of the hundreds of people who personally witnessed Jesus alive again after He had been crucified, died and was buried. (Luke 24:13-53) 10
THE LORD S SUPPER As you face the Altar in the center aisle of the church, look up high to the two peaks of the church. To the right (west) is the portrayal of Jesus instituting the Lord s Supper or Holy Communion. (Matthew 26:26-30, Mark 14:22-26, Luke 22:19-20) 11
BAPTISM OF JESUS The left (east) peak of the church portrays the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17). ALL OTHER STAINED GLASS came from the church on Broadway and now beautifies our present church. We pray that all of these windows will continue to tell the Good News about Jesus for many, many more years. Pictures courtesy of Lorrie Wilson & John Dankwardt Captions by Pastor Don Hasse 12