Stained Glass Window History

"A Soul Without Faith Is Like a Window Without Light."
Origin of the fine art of colored pictorial windows is a mystery, although glass was in use several thousand years ago. Probably the oldest stained-glass windows are those in the Ausburg Cathedral in Germany, made in the eleventh century. Before laymen or clergy could read and interpret the Bible, stained-glass windows were the religious books of the people. Kings and bishops commissioned artists who dedicated years and sometimes a lifetime to picturing events in the lives of Christ and the saints, by painstakingly fitting thousands of pieces of colored glass into a vivid design held together by grooved strips of lead called cames.

The jewel-like bits in a cathedral window take on a living, breathing quality when warmed by sun and they glow or fade from early morning until sunset. The atheist, cynic, religionist may be moved by the experience of watching the sun sweep across a window of Christ's transfiguration.

Medieval artisans produced glass of such gemlike purity and lasting color that it resembled true ruby, emerald and sapphire. Each color was boiled in a separate pot and the glass was colored while in the molten state by various metal oxides which produced pure red, green, blue, and yellow.

In the 14th century "Black Death" swept the continent and practically destroyed all schools and crafts. Formulas for brilliant hues were lost. The art of stained-glass windows deteriorated steadily until the 19th century when craftsmen began to re-discover old formulas and techniques. The modern craftsmen still use techniques that are basically medieval. Their translucent glass glows in ever-changing colors as resistant to weather and time and as ageless in their beauty as the jewels they resemble.

The sanctuary of Franklin Circle Church of Christ was finally dedicated on May 13, 1883, after ten years of accumulating one unit at a time; lot purchase, excavating, basement, furnishings, and then the upper auditorium, furnishings and decorations. Total cost was $60,000 fully paid by that day. The building throughout was finished in black walnut. The organ was the best of that time. Gas fixtures were designed to represent candles without globes. A large chandelier of thirty-six lights was suspended over the center aisle. On dark days the custodian lit these with a long taper.

At the time of the dedication there were six memorial stained-glass windows. There were then no finer windows in the city. They are American Cathedral and now worth many times as much as when installed, their present value being estimated at $40,000. There was much lengthy and earnest discussion when these windows were planned. The first window on the left as we face the pulpit is in memory of William Tousley, a native of Vermont, who came to Western Reserve in 1820 and settled in North Royalton. After his retirement as a storekeeper he moved to Brooklyn and became a regular attendant at Franklin Circle. At his death his property was divided equally between North Royalton Church and Franklin Circle - $10,000 each. This window is a direct copy of a master artist - "The Widow's Mite" by Paul Gustave Dore.

The next window in the East wall is in memory of William Allen, who, with his wife, joined the church in 1859. He was killed in 1864 on the railroad where he worked. Mrs. Allen died in her ninetieth year, 1926. Their daughter, Alice, married William Brett in 1879. Mr. Brett achieved international fame as Chief Librarian of our Cleveland Public Library. At one time Mrs. Allen was asked to sell her window for $400. Although a widow and self-supporting, she refused to do so, for it was with great perseverance and sacrifice that she had proved her devotion to her church and her husband's memory by installing the window. Her choice of theme - "Christ, the Good Shepherd: doubtless inspired her with its immortal message - "The Lord is My Shepherd, I shall not want."

The two windows in the back gallery are not essentially memorial windows, but the gift of Mrs. Eliza Ann Hill, a woman of some means, including a farm on Fulton Road near Monroe Street. She was a faithful member whose desire to serve her church took form in these beautiful windows, representing the "Crucifixion" and "Resurrection" of our Lord. Always, an inspiration to our Pastor and choir members, as they face them.

The first window in the West wall, from the pulpit is in memory of Abraham Teachout. He came of Dutch ancestry which emigrated to America in the 17th century. Mr. Teachout was born in Manchester, NY., 1817; came to North Royalton when a boy; baptized at an annual Disciples' Meeting in 1851. In 1873 Mr. and Mrs. Teachout and son, Albert, brought their letters to Franklin Circle. He was elected to the Board of Elders, in which capacity he served until his death in 1913, age 95. He donated the land on which our annex is built. He was ever active in some worthy cause and his benefactions were many. He gave the first $1,000 for Church Extension on our Brotherhood. Appropriately, the name of this window is "The Good Samaritan." This seventh window was installed in 1915 when our Educational Building was annexed.

The middle window on the West wall represents "Faith" (with the cross) - in memory of William Bowler. He came to Cleveland in 1851; for seven years was Deputy Collector of Customs. His chief interest was the iron business; as a side interest he was a partner of Bowler & Burdick Company, jewelers. He helped in all good works: The Seamen's Home, YMCA, and Sunday School. Bowler Hall at Hiram College is named for him, a Trustee for twenty-eight years.
The window on the West wall depicting "Hope" (with the anchor) is in memory of Irvine U. Masters, 5th Mayor of Cleveland after its union with Ohio City, 1863 - 1865. He died while in office. He introduced Abraham Lincoln on his one visit to Cleveland enroute to his inauguration, Feb 15, 1861. This took place on the balcony of the old Weddell House, corner of Superior Avenue and West 6th Street.

Our "Rose Window", above the organ, was the gift of Winifred Kent Sturtevant, later Mrs. Charles G. Hower, in memory of her parents, Isaac and Hortense Kent Sturtevant. They died in 1876 and 1880 respectively. Mrs. Sturtevant had grown up in the atmosphere of our pioneer Disciple movement. Their hospitable home was the meeting place of our Leaders, including President James A. Garfield, when he was a Pastor of Franklin Circle, in 1857.
Thus, the memory of these loyal spirits of our early church is preserved by the most beautiful medium used in church decoration.

BLUE for the breath of the sky and for morning
GOLD for the glint of the sun and for song
SILVER of rain and of wind
AMBER for gladness and laughter
CRIMSON for life
PURPLE for sorrow and midnight
LILAC for forgiveness
ROSE for forgiveness as well
GREEN for peace
"For with God, all things are possible."
Mark 10:27

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