The Lutheran Church of The Covenant
Our Stained Glass Windows
Covenant's windows are organized in two sets, each with its own theme. The upper or clerestory windows
tell the story of God's work from Christmas to the building of Covenant's building. They begin on the north wall
with Gospel stories. Then, there are several Epistle stories and Lutheran history-themed windows on the south
wall. They are identified on the diagram below as C1 through C23.
The lower windows, called the nave windows, depict the meanings of the colors used in our worship, and
organizations within our Congregation and the symbols associated with them. They are identified on the
diagram below as N1 through N9.
Notice that the windows on the north side are brighter than those on the south (sunny side). In this way the
lighting in the nave is made more even. Also, on both sides of the nave the windows become progressively
brighter as they approach the sanctuary, leading our attention forward to the actions of our worship.
Finally, in the tower vestibule at the northwest entrance to the building, there is a window dedicated to
members of the congregation who served in the armed forces.
Explanations of each window begin on the next page.
Published 04-2016
THE CLERESTORY WINDOWS
Upper Row on North and South Walls.
Clerestory: the upper part of the nave, choir, and transepts of a large church,
containing a series of windows. It is clear of the roofs of the aisles and admits light
to the central parts of the building.
CLERESTORY ON NORTH WALL OF NAVE
THE ANNUNCIATION WINDOW
Clerestory 1
This is the first window in the rear of the clerestory on the north side of the nave.
The Scriptural setting for the message of this window is Luke 1:26-38. The artist has
brought the symbol of the Virgin Mary into the window in an interesting fashion. Her
symbol is the Lily, a sign of her pure faith and complete "yes" to God's intent.
Clerestory 1
THE NATIVITY WINDOW
Clerestory 2
The Scriptural setting for the message presented by this window is Luke
2:6 and 7 and Matthew 2:9-11. This window makes reference to both
Christmas and Epiphany.
THE TWELVE YEAR OLD JESUS IN THE TEMPLE
Clerestory 3
Luke 2:41-52 provides us with the only recorded historical event of
Jesus' early life before the beginning of His ministry: the visit with his
family to the temple in Jerusalem when He was 12 years old.
Clerestory 2 & 3
THE BAPTISM OF JESUS
Clerestory 4
The Baptism of our Lord is recorded in Matthew 3, Luke 3, and Mark 1.
In this window Christ stands in the Jordan and John administers the water
from a shell. The Holy Spirit is presented in the form of a dove.
JESUS PREACHING
Clerestory 5
The artist has incorporated two activities of our Lord: first His
preaching, and second, His concern for little children. The little ones are
gathered about the feet of our Lord.
Clerestory 4 & 5
JESUS HEALS AT THE POOL OF BETHESDA
Clerestory 6
John 5 records the healing of the man at the Pool of Bethesda who had
been ill for 38 years. Here the act of healing is demonstrated as Christ says
to him: "Rise, take up your bed and walk." This window represents our
Lord's healing ministry.
Clerestory 6-7
THE PALM SUNDAY SCENE
Clerestory 7
The triumphal entry of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ into the City of
Jerusalem on Palm Sunday is presented in the next window. Please look
closely at the window and notice the details Matthew 21, Mark 11 and Luke
19 provide the Biblical account.
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THE LAST SUPPER
Clerestory 8
Reference to the institution of the Lord's Supper is made in Matthew,
Mark, Luke and 1 Corinthians. You will notice the presentation of Judas, his
head is turned from the Lord, and his position suggests that he is about to
leave the Supper.
THE BETRAYAL
Clerestory 9
"At once he came up to Jesus and said, 'Greetings, Rabbi!' and kissed
Him." (Matthew 26:49) This window presents the betray kiss of Judas. You
will recognize Judas from the previous window
Clerestory 8 & 9
CLERESTORY WITHIN THE CHANCEL/SANCTUARY
The chancel leads up to the altar at the top of the church.
The altar is in the sanctuary. The word “sanctuary” means “sacred place”.
People were not allowed to be arrested in the sanctuary, so they were safe.
The altar is usually at the east end of the church. People in the church sit facing the altar.
We say that the church “faces east”.
THE FLAGELLATION
Clerestory 10
"Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged." (John 19:1) Christ is
presented as one bound to the whipping post. In the lower portion of the
window there is the symbol of the whipping post and the cat-o-nine tails.
THE "ECCO HOMO"
Clerestory 11
So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe.
Pilate said to them, "Here is the man!" (John 19:5) Christ had been beaten. In
order to gain the sympathy of the mob for Him, Pilate brought Him forth and
introduced Him with these words- "Here is the man." The people responded
with a demand for His life.
Clerestory 10 & 11
The lower portion of the window presents the ewer and the basin. These symbols remind us of the words
of Matthew 27:24: "So when Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took
some water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it
yourselves."
THE CRUCIFIXION
Clerestory 12
This window presents our Lord Jesus fulfilling the ancient promise
delivered to our primal parents, Adam and Eve. The Son of God was
indeed bruised for our sins. On the lower portion of the window the
symbol is that of the Cross and Crown. We are reminded of the promise
made to the thief on the cross (Luke 23:43) and the promise made to all
believers: Revelation 2:10 "Be faithful until death, and I will give you the
crown of life."
THE RESURRECTION
Clerestory 13
The victory of Christ over sin and death for us is recorded in all four
Gospels. The symbol below the risen and victorious Christ is that of the
Bursting Pomegranate. This represents the power of our Lord Who was
able to burst the tomb on Easter Day. In a secondary way it is regarded as
a type of the resurrection of all believers.
Published 04-2016
Clerestory 12 & 13
CLERESTORY ON SOUTH WALL OF NAVE
An Epistle (greek: ejpistolhv 'epistole') is a letter. The Epistles in the Bible are such books as Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2
Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, Philemon, 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John.
The word, "epistole," occurs 24 times in the Greek New Testament. "Epistole" is from epistello "to send" from
which "apostle" is derived.
Clerestory 14-15
THE ASCENSION Clerestory 14
There are three records of the act of our Lord's ascending up
into heaven in the New Testament: Mark 16, Luke 24, and Acts 1.
We are reminded of the Ascension Day hymn: “Draw us to Thee,
for then shall we walk in Thy steps forever and hasten on where
Thou art gone to be with Thee dear Savior.”
PENTECOST Clerestory 15
In Acts 1: 14 we find the last reference made to the Virgin
Mary. In Acts 2 it says that all of Christ's followers were gathered
together on Pentecost. In the window we find Mary seated among
the group of worshippers. It was on Pentecost Day that the
Christian Church was born with the descent of the Holy Spirit.
THE STONING OF STEPHEN Clerestory 16
Acts 7 tells of the trial and stoning of Stephen. The Church observes
Saint Stephen's Day on December 26. Stephen is classified as the First
Christian martyr. Here he serves as representative for all who, down
through the ages, have suffered death rather than deny their Christian
faith.
THE CONVERSION OF SAINT PAUL Clerestory 17
January 25 is appointed on the calendar of the Church as The
Conversion of Saint Paul. Acts the 9th Chapter tells of Paul's conversion.
He who had been an enemy of the Church of Christ was, by the grace of
God, converted to the Faith and became the great missionary to the
Clerestory 16-17
Gentile World.
THE COUNCIL OF NICEA Clerestory 18
In the year 325 A.D. an ecumenical council was conducted in the city
of Nicea. This council was summoned by the Emperor Constantine to
settle the Arian Controversy. The heresy known as Arianism set forth the
teaching that Christ as a creature was subordinate to God. The hero of
the council, here presented as standing before Constantine, was
Athanasius. This window represents all meetings of the Church which
seek direction in doctrine from the Word of God.
Clerestory 18-19
LUTHER NAILS THE NINETY-FIVE THESES TO THE DOOR OF
THE CASTLE CHURCH OF WITTENBERG Clerestory 19
The date is October 31, 1517. These statements attacked the
authority of a church which engaged in selling the forgiveness of sins.
Luther thus began the Reformation. We are the grateful heirs of the
Reformation. (The artist has done an outstanding job of presenting Dr.
Luther, the searcher for God's truth. He is seen as a gaunt young man
who has done much searching of soul.)
Published 04-2016
LUTHERAN HERITAGE Clerestory 20
This lays emphasis upon the historical background of The Lutheran Church - Missouri
Synod. Reading from the top down we see, first of all, a sail ship. This reminds us of the
fact that our spiritual ancestors left their native Europe and sailed to our native land. The
Missouri Saxon Fathers left the religious struggles of Germany and came to the United
States on chartered ships in the year 1839. The log cabin is the first seminary built by the
Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod on U.S. soil: Concordia Seminary. Finally a scroll
setting forth the fundamental position of the Lutheran heritage: the famous "solas." The
word sola means “alone” in Latin. People are saved by grace alone, through faith alone,
on the basis of the revelation of the Holy Scriptures alone.
Clerestory 20
MISSOURI LUTHERANISM IN CLEVELAND Clerestory 21
We see the famous Luther rose. Then two views of the mother church of Cleveland
Missouri Lutheranism are presented. First an exterior view of Zion Lutheran Church (now
at East 30th and Prospect) and then an interior view. The focal point of this is the
Christmas Tree. Zion Church was the first church in America to use a tree for Christmas
decoration. Next is a seal of the City of Cleveland. Finally an air view of The Lutheran
Church of the Covenant. For all of this we thank the Lord of the Church.
Clerestory 21
MUSIC WINDOWS Clerestory 22 &23
The two windows in the West Gallery are music windows. Represented are
instruments named in the Holy Bible: Trumpet, Triangle and Psaltry. In the
other: Timbrel and Lyre. There are also pictured members of angel choirs,
organ pipes and musical notes.
Clerestory 22 & 23
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THE NAVE WINDOWS
Lower Row on North and South Walls.
Nave: the main part of the church where the congregation (the people who come to worship) sit.
The transept, is an area which crosses the nave near the front of the church (between steps and pews).
This makes the church shaped like a cross, which is a symbol of the belief that Jesus died on the cross.
NORTH WALL OF NAVE: THE GOSPEL
1. THE GOOD SHEPHERD
The most beloved of all the one hundred and fifty psalms in the Book of Psalms is the
Twenty-third Psalm. This window presents the blessed comfort of the psalm in symbols.
"The Lord is my shepherd" is presented in the STAFF of the shepherd.
In the presentation of a GREEN MEADOW AND A LAKE, we find reference to the
words: "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still
waters."
"He restoreth my soul." The symbol is that of the BAND OF GOD THE FATHER
sustaining humanity.
The symbol of the ALP-LIKE PEAKS AND THE VIOLET SHADOW sets forth the
words: "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil."
The PLACE SETTING with the over-flowing cup is an obvious reference to the
words: "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: ..... my cup
runneth over."
"I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." These words find expression in the picture
of the CHURCH set upon a hill.
Nave Window 2
Nave Window 1
2. THE BEATITUDES
In Matthew 5:3 the famous Sermon on the Mount has its beginning. The first
sentences of this wonderful sermon are known as the Beatitudes. The word "beatitude"
comes from the Latin word "beatitudo", the means "blessed." Each of the sentences of the
Beatitudes begins with the word "Blessed." The symbols in this window depict the
characteristics of the life of those who are blessed.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit" is presented by the YOKE, a symbol of humility and
meekness.
"Blessed are they that mourn" is symbolized in the PALM BRANCH.
The SCALES represent those blessed who hunger and thirst after righteousness.
The BLUNTED SWORD is the symbol of mercy. Those blessed who are merciful will
not strike out to hurt or harm.
"Blessed are the pure in heart" is set forth in the LILY.
The DOVE is the symbol of peace, hence, in depicting the words: "Blessed are the
peacemakers" the dove is employed.
Persecution is the fate of some Christians. The next two symbols bespeak persecution,
imprisonment and death. These symbols are the WHEEL upon which many of the
confessing saints were broken of body but not of spirit. The other symbol is the set of
MANACLES. Many are the blessed who have been hand-cuffed and imprisoned for the
sake of their faith.
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3. THE OUR FATHER WINDOW
"Our Father who art in heaven; hallowed be Thy name" is visualized in the first
symbol. Above the earth there is the symbol for the Holy Trinity, the Triangle. Written in
Hebrew is the word for "Lord", ADONAI.
"Thy kingdom come: They will be done on earth as it is in heaven" is presented in the
symbol of the kingdom of God, the kingdom of peace. The BROKEN SWORD represents
peace, as does the LEAF.
"Give us this day our daily bread." We find the words of this petition in the symbol of
the BROKEN LOAF OF BREAD set before the rising sun.
“And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us." The
symbol of the SACKS OF PENCE AND TALENTS refers us to the Parable of the
Unmerciful Servant (Matthew 18:23-35) which Christ told in answer to Saint Peter's
question: "How often shall I forgive my brother?”
"And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil." Temptation first reared its
ugly head in the Garden of Eden. Genesis Chapter three tells of the devil tempting in the
form of a serpent. The symbol: the SERPENT COILED AROUND THE WORLD.
The words of the Doxology of the Our Father are set forth in the GREEK WORDS,
pronounced "Ho Oon", which means. "The Being one", that is, the One Who alone is
forever and ever.
Nave Window 3
4. THE YOUTH WINDOW
THE CANDELABRA AND SNUFFER: The Candelabra represents the three-branched
Baptismal Lights. The Snuffer symbolizes the services rendered to the Lord of the
Church by the boys and girls in the Acolyte program.
THE DOVE: This .is the traditional symbol that represents the third person of the Holy
Trinity, the Holy Spirit. Matthew 3:16 advises us that in connection with the baptism of
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ "The Spirit of God descended like a dove."
THE SHELL: The symbol of the Sacrament of Holy Baptism is the shell. It is through the
washing of Holy Baptism that our children are made the children of God.
THE WALTHER LEAGUE EMBLEM: The Walther League was the organization of the
Church dedicated to youth. The Walther League emblem is a ten pointed star on a field of
black. Dr. Walther used this mark as a signature for articles written by him. An
explanation of the symbol is as follows: the center of the star is Christian service. The
outer edge of the circle represents the Church. The message: the youth of the Church serve
Nave Window 4 the Lord of the Church.
[EDITOR’S NOTE: Carl Ferdinand Wilhelm Walther (October 25, 1811 – May 7, 1887) was the first
President of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod and its most influential theologian. He is commemorated
on the Calendar of Saints on May 7. He has been described as a man who sacrificed his homeland, his health,
and nearly his life for the freedom to speak freely, to believe freely, and to live freely. He was dedicated to his
Church and the faith for those he loved. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C._F._W._Walther)]
Published 04-2016
SOUTH WALL OF NAVE: THE EPISTLE
5. THE ALTAR GUILD WINDOW
The various symbols in the window present the duties performed by the members of
the Altar Guild.
The THIMBLE, SCISSORS, and SPOOL OF THREAD serve to indicate that the Guild
sews the paraments and all of the altar linens. None of the paraments or linens are
assembled by machine.
The FLATIRON serves as a reminder of the fact that the Guild members do all the
laundering of the linens, the vestments, etc.
By the CHALICE and HOST we are reminded of the fact that the Guild cares for the
Sacramental silvers.
The OPEN BOOK bespeaks the fact that the Guild arranges the Bible, the SERVICE book,
the Lectionary, the hymnals.
The SANCTUARY LAMP is representative of all the lights that burn in the sanctuary: the
office light, the Eucharistic lights, the standard lights. These candles are not called
"candles" but lights.
There are FIVE CROSSES (GREEK CROSSES) on which all these symbols are placed.
These crosses are similar to the crosses carved into the mensa (top surface) of the altar.
Nave Window 6
Nave Window 5
6. The color: VIOLET
Violet is a color denoting humility. Violet paraments vest the altar during penitential
periods of solemn preparation for the festivals of gladness. Violet is the liturgical color for
Advent (this was changed in 1978 to Royal Blue), Lent and days of humiliation and
prayer.
The SYMBOLS in the window:
THE CAMEL'S HAIR TUNIC is symbol of Saint John the Baptist, the preacher of
repentance. Biblical reference: Matthew 3:4. John is representative of the season of
Advent.
THE MESSIANIC ROSE OF PROMISE is another Advent Symbol. The Scripture
reference is Isaiah 35:1. Set into the rose is the five-pointed humanity star.
The next two symbols are Lententide symbols:
THE CROWING ROOSTER is a symbol of denial. We are reminded that our Lord had
advised Peter that before the second crowing of the cock he would deny Christ three times.
Mark 14:30.
THE SWORD AND STAFF CROSSED IN SALTIRE is the symbol of betrayal, which is
recorded in all four Gospels (Ma. 14:43; Lu. 22:47; Jo. 18:3; and Matt. 26:47). In
Matthew, for example, we are told that following Judas into the garden there "came a great
multitude with swords and staves."
THE EXPULSION SWORD is a symbol that reminds us of the fall into sin by our primal
parents. God had expelled Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden and, as Genesis 3:24
advises, He "placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword
which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life."
THE FOLDED HANDS: Hands in the position of prayer remind us of the fact that violet
is the liturgical color for days of humiliation and prayer.
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7. The color: GREEN
Green is the color of nature and "abiding life," suggests the fruits of life matured from
the seed of the Word (Luke 8:15), and the bounty of God. It symbolizes the life, the
eternity and permanence of the Christian religion and the freshness of its hope. Green is
used during the long Trinity season (from the Second Sunday after Trinity), and in part of
the Epiphany season.
The SYMBOLS in the window:
THE HAND represents God the Father who has made and Who sustains all things.
THE FISH WITH THE LETTERS IXQUS represents the second Person of the Holy
Trinity, God the Son. The Greek letters spell the word "fish", but stand for – I stands for
Jesus, X for Christ, Q for God, U stands for Son, and S for Savior: Jesus Christ, God's Son,
God Savior.
THE DOVE is the traditional symbol for the Third Person of the Holy Trinity, the Holy
Spirit.
THE TREFOIL WITH POINTS: A Trinity symbol made up of the triangle (suggested by
the three points) and the trefoil (the suggestion of three interwoven circles.)
THE FLEUR DE LYS: is the one of the traditional symbols associated with the Holy
Trinity.
THE THREE CIRCLES WITH THE ORB is a Trinity symbol employed by the early
Christians and it has been found in the catacombs of Rome. It sets forth the fact that God
the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit rules the universe.
Nave Window 8
Nave Window 7
8. The color: WHITE
White is the color of faith, peace, and light "symbolizing the spotless purity of our
Lord Jesus and the angels ..... the color of perfection, of beauty, holiness, and joy. It is
scheduled for use on the joy days, the feasts of the God-head, the great days of the year",
for seasons of gladness and rejoicing. It is used from Christmas Eve through the Baptism
of our Lord, throughout Easter season, for Ascension Day, Holy Trinity Sunday and on
other days.
The SYMBOLS are, reading from top to bottom:
THE HUMANITY STAR: The five-pointed star represents the humanity of our Lord. The
five points represent the extremities of our Lord's body.
THE BUTTERFLY is a symbol for the resurrection: beautiful life coming forth from
death.
THE CHRISTMAS ROSE: One of the Scriptural ascriptions of our Lord Jesus is the Rose
of Sharon. Reference is found in Song of Solomon 2:1.
THE LILY is another resurrection symbol. The beauty of life coming forth from a
seemingly dead bulb.
THE CROWN WITH TRIPLE SANCTUS is the symbol for the Feast of Holy Trinity.
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9. The color: Red
Red, the color of fire and blood, as applied to spiritual virtues, signifies virtues, an
ardent love, a burning zeal for the Faith. Red is used to mark great events of the Holy
Spirit's work in the Church. First PENTECOST, with its pouring out of the Holy Spirit. We
read in Acts 2 of the "tongues as of fire". Also REFORMATION DAY, APOSTLES' and
EVANGELISTS' DAYS (except Saint John's Day when the color is white), MARTYRS,
ALL SAINTS' DAY, and ORDINATIONS of the Church's clergy.
The SYMBOLS are, reading from top to bottom.
THE SHIP is a symbol for the Christian Church, of which Christ Jesus is the Captain. In
this instance the ship is like Noah's Ark, in which the righteous were spared.
THE SEVENFOLD GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT are the gifts presented in Revelation
5:12 “Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom
and might and honor and glory and blessing!”
THE STOLE: As indicated above, the color RED is appointed for ordinations. The stole
represents the yoke of Christ bestowed at ordination.
THE SHIELD OF SAINT ANDREW: One of the antecedent churches which formed
COVENANT was Saint Andrew. Andrew was crucified on an X shaped cross. We use this
symbol to represent the saints and martyrs.
THE DOVE is the symbol that represents the Holy Spirit. In such form He appeared at the
baptism of Jesus. (Matthew 3:16)
[Information to come]
Tower Vestibule
Soldier Memorial
Published 04-2016
Nave Window 9