The Rose window

Rose Window

Designed by Wilbert C. Ronan, Professor of Architecture in the Ohio State University and built by Oliver Smith of Byrn Athyn, Pennsylvania.

The gift of Mr. Kenneth D. Wood in memory of Florence Taylor Wood.

Photo Credit: Peter John Gates

  • The Rose window
    The Rose Window - The Cardinal Christian Virtues
  • The Rose Window - Chi Rho - the Monogram of Christ
    The Rose Window - Chi Rho - the Monogram of Christ
  • The Rose Window - Scales of Justice
    The Rose Window - Scales of Justice
  • The Rose Window - Anchor of Hope
    The Rose Window - Anchor of Hope
  • The Rose Window - Lamp of Wisdom
    The Rose Window - Lamp of Wisdom
  • The Rose Window - The Chalice of Faith
    The Rose Window - The Chalice of Faith
  • The Rose Window - Sword of Courage
    The Rose Window - Sword of Courage
  • The Rose Window - Center Section
    The Rose Window - Center Section

The symbolism of the Rose Window interprets the cardinal Christian virtues. At the top is the Chi Rho, the monogram of Christ, representing Love. Justice is represented by the scales; Hope by an anchor; Wisdom by a lamp; Faith by a chalice and Courage by a sword. The motif of the lilies represents Purity.

The above from a scan of the original 1931 Descriptive Guide
(from the collection of the Rev. Dr. Timothy Ahrens)