THE LANGUAGE OF SYMBOLS
At Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church
Stained glass windows in the sanctuary
The seven windows abstractly represent the symbolic (not scientific) account of the days of creation as described in Genesis I. They also can be taken to mean the stages of mankind’s, and the individual persons’ regeneration.
Sitting in a pew you see the first window at the front right and the others following in clockwise order:
Sitting in a pew you see the first window at the front right and the others following in clockwise order:
Day 4
Stars, moon and sun are created. Our understanding expands from the multitudinous dots of partial insight, configured to convey mysterious wisdom in darkness; to the broader light of cool perception; approaching eventually the life so enlightened that it sheds everywhere the warmth of love.
Stars, moon and sun are created. Our understanding expands from the multitudinous dots of partial insight, configured to convey mysterious wisdom in darkness; to the broader light of cool perception; approaching eventually the life so enlightened that it sheds everywhere the warmth of love.
Day 3
Emerging from the sea come dry land and its fruits, suggested in the glass by a lily and wheat and grapes. It is the beginning of productivity, living for a usefulness beyond oneself, and knowing thankfully that the source of one’s fruits is deep in the vine to which we as branches are attached. The wheat and grapes, of course, we associate with the Lord’s Supper.
Emerging from the sea come dry land and its fruits, suggested in the glass by a lily and wheat and grapes. It is the beginning of productivity, living for a usefulness beyond oneself, and knowing thankfully that the source of one’s fruits is deep in the vine to which we as branches are attached. The wheat and grapes, of course, we associate with the Lord’s Supper.
Day 2
God establishes the firmament (ancient man’s concept of a sky canopy) and waters above it, and also the waters beneath the earth. The window suggests some of the chaotic power of our unordered feelings as we begin on the path of spiritual enlightenment. Water is generally associated with the unconscious mind, or with spirit; in this case generally being settled, and differentiating between rational ability and spiritual or intuitive perception, external and internal, earthly and heavenly, tap water and a well-spring of eternal life.
God establishes the firmament (ancient man’s concept of a sky canopy) and waters above it, and also the waters beneath the earth. The window suggests some of the chaotic power of our unordered feelings as we begin on the path of spiritual enlightenment. Water is generally associated with the unconscious mind, or with spirit; in this case generally being settled, and differentiating between rational ability and spiritual or intuitive perception, external and internal, earthly and heavenly, tap water and a well-spring of eternal life.
Day 1
The hand of God is separating the light from the darkness. This corresponds to one’s initial step on the Way – dimly “seeing the light,” which makes possible the decision to choose the upward way toward union with Him who is the light of the world.
The hand of God is separating the light from the darkness. This corresponds to one’s initial step on the Way – dimly “seeing the light,” which makes possible the decision to choose the upward way toward union with Him who is the light of the world.
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Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church
5299 Jamesville Road DeWitt, NY 13214 315-446-0960 Office hours: Monday: Closed Tuesday: 8:30 am - 12:30 pm Wednesday: 8:30 am - 12:30 pm Thursday: 8:30 am - 12:30 pm Email: officeadmin@twcny.rr.com 10:00 a.m. - Worship Service |
