Memorials and Dedications as seen in Story Stained-glass Windows

Founders' Window above main door to Peoples UMC

We have already written about the Founders Window and the Robinson windows that are located in the Foyer or entranceway to the church.

 

Matthew 1 and 2: Luke 2

 

In the sanctuary all of the windows were designed to tell a story, stories in the life of our Savior, Jesus Christ. As one faces the chancel the stories begin with the Nativity, the birth of the Christ-child. Mary, Joseph and the baby in a manger are pictured with the star shining on the location. This window was dedicated to Julia Boltenhouse and Edward Boltenhouse by the Brooks Bible Class. Both had been very active in the early 19^th Century in the village church. It was their home that pastors lived in for a period of time on High Street.

 

Luke 2: 41-52

 

The second window is of the boy Jesus in the Temple at approximately 12 years of age. It is the one official time that we see Jesus from the birth to when he began his ministry. Often the age of the child that 12 years represents determines his or her entrance into young adulthood, especially in days long since passed. This window was dedicated to Bernice Trefethen by Mr. Meredith Trefethen and Mr. Leland Trefethen. The Trefethens were among the major benefactors of Peoples church. Meredith ran the auto garage that is now Pratt-Abbott Cleaners at the corner of Cottage Road and Broadway. At one time the garage, run by the Trefethens, was the area Pontiac Auto Dealership. At the time that Peoples was opened in 1948 the Trefethens were the principle supporters of the campaign to buy the pews for the sanctuary.

 

Luke 10:25-37

 

 

The third window pictures the Good Samaritan. Jesus image is bending over an injured man offering assistance while in the background two men pass without helping. This window was presented to the church by the Manter class in honor of Zebulon C. Manter again an early contributor of time and talent to Peoples. Mr. Manter had served exceptionally well as the superintendent of the Sunday school.

 

 

 



Matthew 13: 1-23

 

Next we find The Sower. A relatively young man is shown spreading seed of which some falls in bushes, some on hard ground and some on good soil. One can see that a bird is actually picking up some seed for its own use. The window tells us to sow seed knowing that sometimes it might not make it to harvest yet other seeds planted grow richly and produce a crop with proper care. Karl Sutherland and his sister Lelia Moore gave this window to Peoples in honor of their parents Mr. and Mrs. James Sutherland who had been active at church in the 1920’s. Lelia was among the many active women of the church through her adult years and her brother Karl had served the community for many years as a police officer.

Matthew 15:29-39

The last window on that side of the sanctuary pictures Jesus Preaching from the Boat. There are at least two stories about Jesus preaching to a crowd. With many people wishing to hear Jesus a boat was provided and rowed a short distance off the lake shore. It was then that he was able to talk to the crowds that remained on the shore. This was window was given by Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Blake and Mr. Walter Campbell in honor of Mrs. Doris Blake Campbell.   All were very active in church life into the 1950s. Mr. Blake was related to the family of Blakes that were involved in plumbing and Mr. Campbell ran a grocery store in Ferry Village for many years.

Luke 15:1-7

 

 

Beginning at the front on the other side of the sanctuary, the first window is of The Good Shepherd. This was given in honor of Mr. and Mrs. William Studley by members of their family. Perhaps among the most soothing of the windows the window tells the story of how we are cared for by our loving and caring Lord. Not one of us has to feel as if we are alone for he is always with us.

Matthew 26: 36-45

 

The next window is of Jesus in Gethsemane. Jesus had left the disciples even though he had been accompanied by two of them. He wanted to be alone with his Father in heaven and to pray. While a momentous occasion in our life as Christians this window was given, from one who loved the Lord. No name is given either by the giver or in honor of any particular person.

Matthew 26: 17-30

 

 

The last window is entitled, The Last Supper. Jesus is pictured with two disciples which represents all that had been chosen as Communion was prepared to be shared with all except one who on this night would betray Jesus. Mr. and Mrs. John J. Campbell were honored by their children in the dedication of this window.

Matthew 27and 28

At the back of the sanctuary three very large windows represent The Crucifixion, The Resurrection and the Ascension in that order. While all of the other windows were in place by 1949 these three would not be installed until the mid-1950s. Each of these windows represent the death of Christ, his coming again and his final ascension into heaven. The plaque at the base of these windows shows that were dedicated to Frank W. Arey Jr., John C. Berdeen Sr., Arthur W. Blake, Dr. Frank I. and Edith Brown, Walter W. Campbell, E. Marion Cass, Arthur G. Darling, Leroy F. Darling, Joseph Dimaggio, George W. Sr. and Orinda Doughty, George W. Jr. and Alesta Doughty, James A. and Annie M. Dow, William E. Downer, Flora B. Dunlap, Walter B. Dunn, Thomas J. and Sarah J. Griggs, Rev. Arthur Hamilton, Alice L. Hawes, Margaret R. Holland, Maude B. Huston, L. Albert and Pauline Johnson, Louise A. Johnson, Clara A.  Larrabee, Fannie S. N. Loveitt, Rev. Wilmot P. Lord, Guy E. McLellan, Byron A. Morgan, Robert H. Moulton, Arthur and Aseneth Nicholson, Dwight A. Nicholson, Ethel M. Nickerson, John S. and Ellen J. Parsons,, Margaret A. Parsons, Laura M. Perry, George E. Sr. and Etta M. Robinson, Whitten M. Sanford, Mary L. Smart, Edwin C. Smith, Roland E. Smith, Anne L. Stanley, Sargent E. Stanley, George A. and Florence M. Todd, Melville E. Tripp, Jennie M. Upton, Henrietta Woodbury, Elizabeth G. York, Deceased members of the Manter class and unnamed workers.