Art at St. Stephen’s
The Gift of Art
The Nave Windows and the Great Cross of our church are dedicated to the greater glory of God and the body of the faithful folk, known and unknown, who have given so freely of themselves in the cause of Jesus Christ since the Church came to Ferguson in the 1880s.
The windows and the Great Cross were designed by Mr. Robert Harmon of the Emil Frei Studios of St. Louis in consultation with then rector Rev. Gordon S. Price. They attempt to communicate in symbolic art forms the recurring sweep of the Liturgical Church year in which the Christian is called to live, worship, witness, and respond. Beginning with the Advent Season Window (rear Gospel side) and working toward the altar, the major events are cataloged. Then from the altar along the Epistle side to the Second Advent the journey is completed.
“The Nave of St. Stephen’s is a silent but moving symphony of complete theology; a gripping drama of God”
The Advent Window
The mood of this window is preparation and penitence as seen through the Lord.
The Christmas/Epiphany Window
“Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven.”
The Window of Lent
The Lord responds to this temptation saying, “Though shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.”
The Palm Sunday Window
“And a very great multitude spread their garmets in the way; others cut down branches and strawed them in the way.”
The Maundy Thursday Window
In His hands are the upraised symbolic elements of His sacrifice for the sins of the world.
The Good Friday Window
“Today shalt thou be with Me in Paradise.”
The Whitsunday Window
The movement of this window is downward, the descent of the Dove.
The Communion of Saints Window
“The end of man is to love God and enjoy Him forever.”
The Gospel Window
In this window the artist has adopted the four traditional levels of existence.
The Church and Sacraments Window
The hands, which seem to come down from God, represent Apostolic Ministry.
The Christmas Family Window
The gifts of children and God calls the couple into the mystery of creation.
The Second Advent Window
“For he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth, and with righteousness to judge.”