Stained Glass
The Stained Glass of St. James Presbyterian Church, Tarzana
Click on a section to learn about the windows’ details
A key and overview, prepared by Claire Rydell and Darren Pollock
Introduction
The stained glass windows of St. James Presbyterian Church are a testimony to the strength and perseverance of the congregation in Tarzana, California. The glass windows were designed in the 1960's by the Wallis-Wiley glass studios of Pasadena, California for the sanctuary on Ventura Boulevard. The terrible Northridge earthquake of 1994 destroyed the original building but the windows were miraculously unbroken. They were carefully packaged and placed in storage for several years. The glass was redesigned as an essential element in the new sanctuary which opened on October 11, 1998.
There are Biblical characters and symbols throughout the sanctuary, many of which have a lengthy history of Christian symbolism that I have tried to describe alongside each of the photographs. In this book, the photographs are organized as if one enters the main west door, proceeding into the sanctuary on the north side, passing along the images on the east wall and finally to the south side of the building. In the sanctuary, you will view characters from the Old Testament to the north and the New Testament along the east wall.
The history of the church in America is depicted in the upper portion of the south wall with Christian symbols encircling the doorway to the south.
Stained glass windows were given in memory of those who have gone before (see Memorials and Donations below).
Symbolism in Christian Art: Color
The colors in the glass produced by the Wallis-Wiley Studios of Pasadena are truly remarkable. The colors themselves have a function and meaning in the world of art history symbolism.
Blue, as the color of the sky, has long symbolized heaven and heavenly love. In many paintings, both Christ and Mary wear blue clothing.
Red, as the color of blood, is symbolic of both love and hate and is associated with the martyrdom of the saints. Since red is also a symbol for fire it is used during the season of Pentecost which commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit.
Yellow can be an emblem of the sun and divinity associated with sacredness. Sometimes, yellow suggests jealousy, treason and deceit so the traitor Judas was often painted in yellow colors.
White has always been associated with purity and innocence and of the holy life. This association is spoken of in the Bible such as Psalm 51:7 "Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow" or Christ's Transfiguration in which Matthew says Christ is seen to be "white as the light" (Matthew 17:2). White is worn by Christ after his Resurrection.
Black is the symbol of death and mourning and is the liturgical color for Good Friday, the day of Christ's Crucifixion.
Gray, as the color of ashes, symbolizes both humility and mourning and is associated with the Lenten season. Since gray also represents the death of the body and the immortality of the spirit, Christ's clothing is gray in many paintings of the Last Judgment.
Brown is the color of spiritual death and also of renunciation of worldly things. It is the color of the Franciscan and Capuchin orders in the Catholic church.
Green is the color of plants and represents the triumph of spring over winter, of life over death. Since it is a secondarycolor, made of primary colors yellow and blue, it also suggests the regeneration of the soul through good works and charity. Green is the symbol for the Epiphany season of the church.
Violet is the color symbol of love and truth as well as passion and suffering.
Purple has always been the color of royalty and is often the symbol of God the Father. Sorrow and penitence are also symbolized by purple and it is the liturgical color for Advent and Lent, the church's seasons of preparation anticipating the joyous seasons of Christmas and Easter.
Throughout the ages, stained glass has been used to decorate Christian churches with their bright colors and the rainbows they produce. Rainbows represent God's covenant with humanity. As a symbol of union it denotes pardon for man after the Flood and reconciliation given to humans by God. Jesus is often surrounded by a rainbow in a throne set in heaven in paintings and iconography.
Stained glass must be illuminated by sunlight to be fully appreciated. The Sun, in Christian symbology, represents the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The sun is a symbol of Christ from the prophecy of Malachi 4:2 "But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings." Christians worship on "Sunday," originally incorporating an ancient Roman feast day as the first day of the Christian week.
Memorials and Donations
Abraham Window given in memory of Peter Melendy by B. Belendy Firestone.
Moses Window given in memory of W.M. Wernowsky by the Butterworth family and friends.
Samuel Window given in memory of Inez Wernowsky by the Butterworth family and friends.
Isaiah Window given in memory of Esther and Earle Hildebrand by their daughter, Nanne.
John the Baptist Window given in loving memory of Frederick Cornell Baxter by his family.
Matthew Window given in loving memory of Leland Frazier, Jr. by his family and friends.
Mark Window given in memory of Paul Treat II and family by Treat and Chiarello Motor.
Luke and John Windows given to the church by Ruth and Verner Satt.
Paul and Athanasius Windows given in loving memory of Winifred Bullock Matthews by S. H. Matthews and family.
Wycliffe Window given in memory of Col. Carroll Tye by Mrs. Carol Tye.
Luther Window given in memory of the August Sorensen family by Ida Larsen.
John Calvin and John Knox Windows (not currently displayed) given in memory of James P. Johnson by Mr. and Mrs. Harry Feick, Sr.
Makemie Window given in loving memory of William Crichton by Mr. and Mrs. Paul Vogt.
Timothy Dwight Hunt Window (not currently on display) given in loving memory of Dorothy Griffith Jones by the members and friends of St. James.
Samuel Wiley Window (not currently on display) given by Rev. Edward H. Jones, Pastor of St. James Church (1963-1967).
Crown of Thorns given by Don and Dee Eddy.
Sun of Righteousness given by the Tarzana Mariners.
Dove given by Marilyn Mellon.
Phoenix given by Don Arvesen.
Glastonbury Thorn given by Kaycee Dewar and Don "Buck" Breazile.
Open Bible given by Ann Jean Duke and family.
Chalice given by Wayne and Cheryl Ayers.
Rainbow given by Jack and Mercy Holiday.