First Hungarian Reformed Church - Walton Hills, OH
New stained glass throughout.
We designed, fabricated, and installed
seventy-one panels of stained glass composed of a combination of mouth-blown
antique glass and machine-drawn antique glass, on which we hand-painted then
kiln fired numerous designs and symbols.
Iconography: The front wall of the Church represents the Holy
Trinity, with the crown in the center of the rose window symbolizing God the
Father. The Triquetra (intertwining circles) represent the Trinity, as
do the triangles. Circles are a symbol of the eternity and perfection
of God, and the rays emanating from the crown are gold signifying splendor,
warmth and love.
The rays project the Father's splendor and warmth over the Son and Holy
Spirit. The lines of the rays point back to the center or God. The Holy Spirit
is shown as a descending Dove. The Lamb of God is Jesus the Christ. Circular
shapes are repeated around these symbols to relate these areas visually to
the Rose window.
The circle is a repeating motif throughout the windows, drawing a balance
between the angular elements of the design and the organic vine-like forms.
The amber border emphasizes the roof line and the large triangular shape that
pulls the three windows together. This ribbon reaches around the corner like
God the Father embracing the congregation. The amber color represents His love,
warmth and glory.
From the Historical bays through the Gospel and Teaching bays, the organic
shapes carry the viewer forward into the church. The fine-like shapes can be
seen as expressing the relationship between God and His people. The bible sometimes
refers to the vineyard as being a protected place where the children of God
(the vines) flourish under the tender care of God (the Keeper of the Vineyard).
Interspersed throughout all the windows are colorful rosettes with Hungarian
floral motifs. These jewels of color, along with the flowing lines of the design
should move the viewer toward the front of the church and the glory of God.