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Saturday, March 08, 2003 Page: 11A
Bob Evans suspects that many members may take for granted the beautiful
treasures inside the First Baptist Church on South River Street, Wilkes-Barre.
It’s not surprising, the deacon said, since it’s typical of human nature.
“It’s just one of those cases where it’s only when we have guests and start
to talk about it that we realize how special this is,” Evans said of the
majestic stained-glass windows inside the 160-year-old church.
It’s not that they’re hidden treasures – one of them is nearly 100 feet
tall.
The windows, which were designed when the church was built, tell the story
of Christ, using colors and items like grapevines and roses in a symbolic way.
About 20 years ago, an unknown parishioner penned a narrative, explaining
the symbols and images contained in the panes. The windows include the chancel
window, the front window, the aisle windows and the clerestory window. Each
window has several lancets, or sections. In some instances, a lancet is
comprised of several frames.
Evans, who will lead the presentation and answer questions, decided to dust
off the narrative and arrange a Lenten program.
“We haven’t done this in a long time. I thought Lent would be a good time
to do it.”
The pastor, Scott Stevenson, has been with the church for several months
and splits his duties between First Baptist and the Baptist Tabernacle in
Hanover Township.
Evans said it would be impossible to replace the windows today.
“At the time, there were no OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health
Administration) regulations and some of the colors were created using arsenic
and mercury. So, you just wouldn’t get the same colors if you tried.”
Here is the narrative’s description of the stained-glass windows at First
Baptist Church.
The windows in the church include the chancel window, the front or west
window, the aisle windows and the clerestory windows.
THE CHANCEL WINDOW
This window was planned to feature the baptism and incidents in the early
life of Christ. The triple lancet is symbolical of the trinity; the colors are
symbolic, too. The figure subjects are the annunciation, visitation,
annunciation of the shepherds and the rejoicing angels.
The right lancet depicts the adoration of the shepherds, presentation in
the temple, adoration of the Magi, Joseph’s dream and the angels.
The center lancet features the flight into Egypt, the baptism, John the
Baptist, angels and the dove.
The background of the medallions are decorated with symbolic motives
including holly, ivy, oak, grapevine and rose.
The inscriptions are quotations referring to the two principal subjects:
the nativity and the baptism.
THE FRONT (WEST) WINDOW
This window is developed in the manner of the 13th century windows in
France: small, simply designed figure medallions against a rich background.
The figure subjects illustrate the principal incidents of the last week of
Christ’s life. Three of the incidents – the Last Supper, the resurrection and
the ascension – are placed in the center lancet against a background
containing a grapevine, the symbol of Christ and the church.
The other incidents are placed in chronological order throughout the window
and include the anointing of Christ by Mary, the entry into Jerusalem,
cleansing of the temple, the washing of the feet, betrayal by Judas, arrest of
Christ, the carrying of the cross, crucifixion, entombment, Easter morning and
Pentecost.
Other images shows angels in symbolic poses and other symbols of faith and
Holy Communion.
THE AISLE WINDOWS
These windows are characterized by figure medallions and geometric
ornaments in rich colors against a shimmering background of light and depict
the incidents from the life and ministry of Christ prior to the last week. The
windows are labeled: invitation window, teaching window, miracle window,
confession window, children’s window, parable window, family window and
example and command window.
THE CLERESTORY WINDOWS
These windows are of a type of window known as Grisaille: Light backgrounds
covered with a delicate pattern are characteristic of leaded glass.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: The Story of Christ, as told through the stained-glass windows
WHEN: Every Sunday at 10 a.m. throughout Lent (until April 20)
WHERE: First Baptist Church, 48 S. River St., Wilkes-Barre
INFO: 822-7482
NOTES: The presentation, which precedes the Sunday service, is open to
people of all denominations. Community, civic and religious groups, including
youth groups and church societies, are welcome. The presentation runs about
30-35 minutes. Guests are encouraged to bring cameras and binoculars.
PARKING: on both sides of the church