St. Matthew Church

Art of St Matthews Stained Glass Windows

“Beauty is in eye of the beholder” is a phrase that can be applied to the windows of St. Matthews.  When first unveiled in November 1999 at the dedication and consecration, the reviews were mixed.  While the colors were “eye-catching”, why were the shapes a bit “off”?  These windows were not in the classical style, but were they really abstract?

Jeff Smith, the artist, graciously provided background on his creative process.  He shared over a few conversations the nuance and subtleties of how the windows came together.  The artist shared that using stained glass tells stories.  Glass allows the design to be elusive so to allow the viewer to find their own meaning and to be part of the creative process.  He provided the example of using clear and white opalescent glass together.  It draws the eye, as it reflects and transmits light and gives the impression of being “animated”.  He uses this effect to symbolize the presence and real action of God.

It is our hope that sharing the symbolism and creative tools that were incorporated to produce these windows, will enrich your understanding and deepen your prayer life.

Part 1 - God-Three in One

This window called “God, Three in One” is located over the “front doors” as you enter church.  It represents the United Trinity—in essence “God, Three in One”.  When facing toward the direction of the sanctuary, the foliage like imagery in the lower section of the left window recalls God the Father’s creation of the Garden of Eden.  White “tongues of fire” in the right window are reminders of the God the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The central window, which is the dominated by the Good Shepherd, or “God the Son” spans all (3) windows which radiates down to his flock below.

The God, Three in One window, like the (3) circular windows (located in the main church) are positioned in the “upper part” of the church.  The positioning was done deliberately to signify the spatial distance between God and Man.

Colors chosen for all the upper windows are of an achromatic nature which evoke a transcendent, spiritual quality, whereas the lower windows are of polychromatic nature which symbolize earth.  The design of this and the (3) circular windows are of a more abstract nature than the lower windows signifying the difference between Heaven and Earth.  His combination of denser and filmy glass makes the window “come to life”.

Journals of the Windows of Saint Matthew's are available in the back of the Church on the bookshelves.