LEGACY AND RESOURCE for CHURCH AND COMMUNITY
The stained glass windows of First Congregational Church were designed and built by some of the most important artists and studios of the twentieth century. They provide a unique opportunity to see five different examples of exceptional stained glass design in one place, making them an important resource in the region.
Each year, countless local, national and international visitors come to see the stained glass and architecture. Schools, colleges and universities from across the region use the stained glass and architecture as an invaluable educational resource. Other community organizations also make use of these resources for tours and programs.
The windows of First Church are not only a treasured legacy of the church but also a resource and treasure for the community and beyond. National organizations have also recognized the outstanding quality and artistic merit of the Church’s stained glass.
• The Connick Foundation of Boston selected First Congregational Church as the opening site for “SINGING WINDOWS, Tours of Exceptional 20th-Century Ohio Stained Glass” held in 2009. This was their first educational program to take place outside the Boston metro-area.
• The Stained Glass Association of America arranged a tour of the windows for their national conference of stained glass professionals in 2003.
The 1931 [Jeffrey – Rose – Friendship – Gladden] and 1937 [Miller] windows are based on English & French Medieval designs from the I3th and I4th centuries. In this era few people were literate and windows were used to express biblical stories and ideas. Images are usually set in the form of medallions. Symbols easily recognized were widely used and can be found in these windows.