St. James Episcopal Church, Alpine, TX

Owner:
Big Bend Episcopal Mission, Alpine, TX

ALTAR STAINED GLASS
1'-7" w by 9'-9" h each

German and French mouthblown glass, domestic rolled glass, dichroic glass, lead and solder with a protective glazing of tempered glass.

These two windows enframe the Altar without undue distraction. The light, airy glass palette allows the stained glass to function as a fully three dimensional experience permitting views out to flowering Pear trees and mountains beyond. The original window openings were only half the present height and were filled with nearly opaque inserts. The sparkling light that now comes through the windows dramatically brightens and enhances the sense of worship. Because the white glasses both reflect and transmit light they are active and visible throughout the day and night. Dichroic glass accents shift color in daylight, while becoming mirror-like flickers at night.

The concentration of color in the lower parts of the windows relates to our physical embodiment here on Earth in contrast to filmy white glasses in the upper areas which symbolize the higher spiritual plane to which we aspire.

The horizontal band of red and purple glass that moves out from the Altar represents Christ’s blood, wine and the sacrament of Holy Communion. The amber glass border at the bottom and along the outer sides subtly symbolizes grain and bread.

When viewed as a whole, the movement of the white shapes though the field of clear glass coalesces around and draws our attention to the primary focus at the Altar. The white shapes wafting and swirling upward are reminiscent of a number of images such as fire, feathers, wings, rain, light, hands, etc. connoting God’s reassuring presence, resurrection, baptism, enlightenment, purification, etc.