Stained Glass Windows History
Under
the leadership of Vic
Shea and a renovating committee appointed
by the Session, Phase I renovation of the church building
and grounds began in the fall of 1982. Phase I included renovation
of the Sanctuary
(carpet, paint, upholstery for the pews, structural changes
to the pulpit), new restrooms, Parlor carpet and furniture.
The stained glass window memorials and dedication of Phase I renovation
took place March 24, 1985. The aisle windows symbolize the Christian
Life. As a plant cannot be sustained without water, the Christian Life
cannot blossom without God's spirit. All aisle windows are identical
except for a circular etching near the top. Each circle contains a
different ancient Christian symbol. Additional symbols are used in
the Narthex transom.
The main window between the front double doors is the Presbyterian
Church symbol designed specifically for the Reuniting 195th General
Assembly in 1983 by James Avery, Craftsman. Slight variations in design
were added to unify all windows.
The stylized Cross is intended to remind us of the mighty Act of God
in the redemption of the world through our Lord Jesus Christ, the ecumenical
emblem of Christendom. On its shank appears the Burning Bush (Exodus
3:1-6).
The Descending Dove with nimbus is proclamation of the Presence
of the Holy Spirit. The Dove and the Bush are common to the
seal of the reuniting churches, and historically to all branches of
the Reformed
Faith.
The all-encompassing Circle is affirmation of eternity, the
perfection and completeness wrought by God, the Creator.
The legend within
the Circle, ECCLESIA REFORMATA SEMPER REFORMANDA - "The Church, having
been reformed, always is being reformed" - is attributed
to Theodore Beza (1519-1605), aide, amanuensis, and successor
to John
Calvin in
Geneva.
The employment of the traditional liturgical colors of white, red,
greenish gold, and blue-violet is emphasis upon the continuum of the
Holy Catholic Church, the People of God who have been called and kept
in every age.
The stained glass windows were made and installed by Dale and Lynn
Schenck of Reflected Impressions in Lubbock. Both graduates
of Texas Tech, the Schencks had been in business since 1977 at the
time of the
installation. They assembled and installed their work as
a team.
Main
Window - Given in memory of Al Richardson and Coy
McMahan by their wives, Mrs. Pearl Richardson and Mrs.
Tillie McMahan.
Transom
Windows - Given to the glory of God by Mr. and Mrs. Dale Schenck.
Window #5 - Given in memory of Milledge Oliver Dickenson
and Bessie Elizabeth (Dickenson) Holbrook by Pat Reynolds.
Window #6 - given to the glory of God by the members of First
Presbyterian Church
Window #7 - Given in memory of Trey Roberts by
his mother and father, Mr. & Mrs. Stan Roberts
Window #8 - Given to the glory of God by friends of
the First Presbyterian Church
At the same ceremony, offering plates were given in memory
of Trey Roberts by Mr. & Mrs.
Mark Holcomb.
In Memorium
(northeast corner of the sanctuary, proceeding clockwise)
Window #1 - Given in memory of Newell E. Wright by Nancy Wright and children.
Window #2 - Given in memory of Cora J. Roberts and Burk B. Roberts by Mr. & Mrs. Burnett Roberts and Mr. & Mrs. James Lattimore.
Window #3 - Given in memory of Clara and Frank Adams (Charter Members) by their daughter Margaret Rose Powers.
Window #4 - Given in honor of their parents by Mary and Vic Shea