Chapel Windows Preach the Sermon on the Mount
The windows in Wesley Chapel are made to create an atmosphere of worship. Made with beautiful West Virginia Blenko glass, they provide color and warmth. The downstairs windows are without any design, but the glass itself is a wonderful blend of shades and color.
Upstairs, there are twelve windows with designs that preach the Sermon on the Mount. Eight of them are based on the Beatitudes. The remaining four reflect the themes of righteousness, being the salt of the earth, and the light of the world.
According to artist notes, the following interpretations guided the creation of the windows. They are also very helpful to those who experience them.
Blessed Are The Poor In Spirit
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven” is portrayed by hands in the posture of prayer and a cross which is surrounded by the circle which is a symbol of eternity, and by a nimbus which is a suggestion of power. The main theme of this Beatitude is humility, and praying for guidance is an appropriate expression of humility. The symbol of power suggests that the seeker will find his answer in the “kingdom of heaven.”
This window was given in memory of Eleanor Rider Williams (Sem. 1897) by her children: Loring (1927) , Elizabeth (1933), and Brunson.
Blessed Are Those Who Mourn
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” is depicted by a woman kneeling and bent in grief, but she is surrounded by the flowers which suggest new life, the circle which again suggests eternity, and above the figures are the Chi and Rho, symbols for Christ whose resurrection provides the comforting answer to grief and mourning.
This window was given in memory of Dr. Jacob Elbert Wells (1907, H 1921) by Mrs. J. Elbert Wells, the former Daisee Furbee (1907). Dr. Wells was a retired Methodist Minister. He attended the 1928 General Conference and was a delegate to the first Jurisdictional Conference in 1940. He also served on the West Virginia Wesleyan College Board of Trustees from 1916-1946.
Blessed Are The Meek
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” is indicated by the globe in a setting composed of a partial nimbus and radiant lines suggesting the power of God.
This window was given in memory of Charles A. Snider (Sem. 1900). Rev. Snider was Methodist Minister in the West Virginia Annual Conference from 1901-1968 and a charter member of the West Virginia Wesleyan College Emeritus Club.
Blessed Are Those Who Hunger And Thirst For Righteousness
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” is portrayed by the chalice and cross. A partial nimbus and radiant lines again suggest that those who seek righteousness will be blessed by it.
This window was given in loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. John D. Carden and Mrs. and Mrs. Clyde McKinley – Parents of John Dana and Jean McKinley Carden. Jean Carden was President Stanley H. Martin’s Administrative Assistant.
Blessed Are The Merciful
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” is depicted by a symbol that is out of the Old Testament. It is an ark, but it suggests the Ark of the Covenant, rather than the Ark of the Flood. The covenant in the Old Testament included the assurance of God’s forgiveness and this is a dominant theme throughout the Gospel.
This window was given in memory of Hugh B. and Janet Nicholas Lynch – Presented by Jeanette Lynch Richardson (1938).
Blessed Are The Pure In Heart
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” is portrayed by three lilies which are traditionally symbols of purity, so arranged that they fit appropriately within a triangle and altogether suggest the Trinity. The total is surrounded again by a nimbus and with radiant lines arranged in groups of three, suggesting that purity of intent is met by God himself.
This window was given in memory of the Carper Family. Presented by Dr. W. C. Carper.
Blessed Are The Peacemakers
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” employs the familiar olive branch and dove as symbols of peace. The nimbus and the descending flight of the dove suggest that the peacemaker is rewarded by the sonship of God.
This window was given in memory of Mrs. Erma Snodgrass Hall (Sem 1907, 1913) Presented by Jerome Venoir Hall (1904)
Jerome Venoir Hall (Sem. 1904) also presented a second of the Beatitudes windows in memory of his wife:
Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted For Righteousness’ Sake
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” is illustrated with the cross to indicate this righteousness, and both the crown and laurel which are symbols of victory.
A full circle, symbol of eternity and lines arranged in groups of three complete the Beatitudes’ message of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Righteousness
The Beatitudes are followed by a window which summarizes the theme and the entire Sermon on the Mount — Righteousness.
It is represented by a pair of scales set within the circle of eternal law, and seems to say that righteousness will prevail eventually.
This window was presented in memory of Oda Earle Karickhoff (Sem. 1901, 1905) by his children, Elizabeth Smith and Michael Karickhoff. Mr. Karickhoff taught Economics and Sociology at West Virginia Wesleyan from 1919-1946.
You Are The Salt Of The Earth
“ You are the salt of the earth” is portrayed by a man on his knees with arms and face upraised as if to look toward heaven. Above him is the cross and immediately around him are two trees and other vegetation suggesting that the results of his own good qualities have been productive. Beneath this arrangement is another figure prostrate with apparent failure. It says that not all disciples are faithful.
This window was given in memory of Kenneth Criss. Presented by A.V. Criss
You Are The Light Of The World: A City On A Hill Cannot Be Hid
In this window is a castle and plain path leading toward its entrance. It is obviously on a towering hill and in full view.
It was presented in memory of Herbert McClaskey Blair (Sem. 1904) by his wife Madge Chidester Blair (Sem 1904) and his son Andrew Lane Blair who was a Trustee of West Virginia Wesleyan from 1963-88.
You Are The Light Of The World: Flaming Torch
George L. Payne of Paterson, NJ was the artist for the windows, the altar settings, and chancel furniture.