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:
Tower Windows | Nave Windows | Altar Cross Window
OVERVIEW
THE FLOOR PLAN of the new worship space at St. Stephen can be visualized as an expansive, quarter-pie-shaped wedge. The south-facing main entrance is in one of the straight sides of the wedge. To the left as one enters, a monumental curved wall sweeps from west-facing at the back to north-facing at the front where it intersects the east-facing, second straight wall that completes the wedge. The raised, polished marble Altar is located in front of this intersection. The limestone wall at the back of the Altar also defines the Blessed Sacrament Chapel behind. This interior wall physically separates Sanctuary from Chapel and a large vertical opening allows for views and spatial flow between.
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THE WINDOWS FOR ST. STEPHEN are found in three locations within the church, each having its own unique symbolic and architectural context. The stained glass designs strive to acknowledge these differences. White glass is the main element that unifies the suite of windows and which resonates with the surrounding masonry.
The first windows encountered upon entering the church are the two Tower Windows located at the back of the church in the curved wall. The white glass within these windows enframes transparent color that symbolizes both the incarnation of Christ on earth and the omnipresence of Holy Spirit. Next are the four west-facing Nave Windows in which the white glasses quietly and simply diffuse the bright El Pasoan sun without distracting from the rich, woven Saints of the Americas by John Nava. Finally, the white glasses reappear in the Altar Cross Window as a pristine and ever-changing Cross. Unlike the other windows, the Altar Cross is an interior window – its white glasses are especially important because they remain visible and interesting in both front- or backlighting, day or night.
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