St. Stephen Catholic Church
El Paso, TX
Architect:
Alvidrez Architecture, Inc.
Liturgical Design Consultant:
Kenneth J. Griesemer & Associates
Use the links below for complete project information:
Overview | Tower Windows | Altar Cross Window
NAVE WINDOWS
Four windows measuring 1’-6” wide by 15’ - 10” high.
French mouthblown glass, domestic rolled glasses, beveled Austrian lead crystal, lead and solder.
Because the Nave Windows are located between the larger-than-life-sized tapestries of the Saints of the Americas by John Nava (yes, the Nave Windows are flanked by Nava Tapestries!?), their design called for a quiet, simple approach. The Nave Windows are called on to diffuse the harsh afternoon sun that was a major distraction for worshipers until their installation. White glass connects them with the other stained glass windows adding a quiet transition between the Tower Windows and the Altar Cross Window.
For simplicity as well as economy, a plain, rectilinear grid of white glass was initially planned. When it came time to fabricate the Nave Windows, I couldn't resist using a more interesting, but still subtle design of “billowing” white glass. A hint of pointed Gothic Arch that evolves from back to front in the upper sections of these windows. The rich, amber-shifting, white glass does not compete with the strong, rich imagery in the tapestries. The amber glow from these four windows is reminiscent of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls (San Paolo Fuori le Mura) in Rome which are filled, not with glass, but with thinly sliced alabaster "panes" of white travertine. In afternoon sun the more translucent French mouthblown opal glass projects brighter highlights within the amber glow from these windows.
Hopefully worshipers will find their own explanation for the Austrian lead-crystal bevel that they may discover in one of the windows. Is it the Star of Bethlehem? Or maybe a reminder of God's Grace that awaits those who seek it? Or is it a visual mustard seed? Could it be a symbol of God's ultimate gift to humanity? Do its colors echo God's covenant with Noah which He sealed with a rainbow? Or might it be a reminder that we will never find the unexpected unless we look for it? All of these explanations are "true" along with all the others worshipers will hopefully find...
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