IX The Creation Window

Posted on Dec 8, 2025 in THE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS |

Left: MISSIONS AND PAUL WINDOW; Right: THE CREATION WINDOW

Left: X MISSIONS AND PAUL WINDOW; Right: IX THE CREATION WINDOW

THE CREATION WINDOW

IX THE CREATION WINDOW

 

Top: The hand of God reaching down to create heaven and earth. The colored lines represent four days. (Genesis 1-2)
 
1st Day – God separated the light from the darkness.
 
2nd Day – He separated the heavens from the waters.
 
3rd Day – He gathered the waters to form the seas, and the dry land to be the earth and plants to grow on it.
 
4th Day – The red line points to the moon and stars that were to be light for the night and the sun to be the light by day.
 
5th Day – God created the birds to fly in the air, and living creatures to line in the waters.
 
6th Day – He said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures, beasts, cattle, and all creeping things.” Then God made man to rule over them.
 
7th Day – Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.
 
 
 
 

X Missions and Paul Window

Posted on Dec 8, 2025 in THE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS |

Left: MISSIONS AND PAUL WINDOW; Right: THE CREATION WINDOW

Left: X MISSIONS AND PAUL WINDOW; Right: IX THE CREATION WINDOW

 
MISSIONS AND PAUL WINDOW
 
X MISSIONS AND PAUL WINDOW
 
Top: Ship represents early mission voyages and the early church staying afloat on a rough sea of schism and dissention.
 
Figure: Paul is unfolding the scroll and cross. This represents the unfolding of his leadership of the church and theology through his letters.
 
Paul, the great apostle to the gentiles, was the mightiest person after Jesus to shape the Christian religion. He is the undisputed author of seven books of the New Testament and source of six others.
 
 
 

XII The Circuit Rider Window

Posted on Dec 8, 2025 in THE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS |

Left: THE JOHN WESLEY WINDOW; Right: THE CIRCUIT RIDER WINDOW

Left: THE JOHN WESLEY WINDOW; Right: THE CIRCUIT RIDER WINDOW

 
THE CIRCUIT RIDER WINDOW
 
XII THE CIRCUIT RIDER WINDOW
 

Top: Sun shining over Arizona with the mountains and the giant Saguaro in front. This is the symbol of the natural beauty of our state of Arizona.

Center: Our original Chapel with the three circle roof that is the symbol of the trinity.

Bottom: The early Circuit Rider, holding his Bible, rode many miles to spread the word of God. So, the Circuit Rider depicts the coming of Methodism to Arizona, and the founding of Christ Church, United Methodist.
 
 
 

XVI Music and Worship Window

Posted on Dec 8, 2025 in THE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS |

Left: THE MODERN CITY; WINDOW Right: MUSIC AND WORSHIP WINDOW

Left: XV THE MODERN CITY WINDOW; Right: XVI MUSIC AND WORSHIP WINDOW

MUSIC AND WORSHIP WINDOW

XVI MUSIC AND WORSHIP WINDOW

 

Top: Organ pipes and notes represent devotional music.

ORGAN PIPES
Music is an integral part of our Worship Servies. We are often able to express meaning through music that we would find difficult to express in words.
 
Bottom: The candles and the praying hands represent our worship of God by means of Liturgy. Liturgy comes from the Greek word leitourgia meaning public service or work of the people. Worship services then literally are the work of God’s people done in service of God.
 
PRAYING HANDS
Our corporate worship is the one place where all of our church fellowship joins together. Worship and prayer is the very heart of our relationship with each other and God in the fellowship of the church.
 
 
 
 

XIV Family and Brotherhood Window

Posted on Dec 8, 2025 in THE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS |

Left: FAMILY AND BROTHERHOODWINDOW Right: ARTS AND EDUCATION WINDOW

Left: XIV FAMILY AND BROTHERHOODWINDOW Right: XIII ARTS AND EDUCATION WINDOW

FAMILY AND BROTHERHOOD WINDOW

 
XIV FAMILY AND BROTHERHOOD WINDOW
 
Top: People standing on the Bible depict the Christian family with its love grounded on faith in God and love for each other.
 
Bottom: Brotherhood is represented by clasped hands of different pigmentation.
 
BROTHERHOOD
One of the great problems of our day exists in our relationship with people we see as “different”. Galatians 3:28 says “There is neither Jew nor gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Our Christian faith teaches that all are made in the image of God, and we are all siblings in Christ.
 
 
 

XV The Modern City Window

Posted on Dec 8, 2025 in THE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS |

Left: THE MODERN CITY; WINDOW Right: MUSIC AND WORSHIP WINDOW

Left: XV THE MODERN CITY WINDOW; Right: XVI MUSIC AND WORSHIP WINDOW

THE MODERN CITY WINDOW

XV THE MODERN CITY WINDOW
 

Top: Cross and scales – symbol of Christian social justice.

CROSS AND SCALES SYMBOL –

SOCIAL JUSTICE: This symbol recognizes that personal piety is not enough. A Christian must express their faith in the world and in relation to the crucial problems of the present day.

Bottom: Modern city with vision of the cross dominating.

This window is especially appropriate today when our population is mainly centered in cities. Turbulence and violence have marred the relationship of people in these population centers. The cross over the city symbolizes that we as Christians have a mission to be a reconciling force in our cities.
 
 
 

Year of Stained Glass Window Completion

Posted on Dec 8, 2025 in THE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS |

The Stained Glass Windows of Christ Church United Methodist, Tucson

The Stained Glass Windows of Christ Church United Methodist

 
Stained Glass Windows
 
The project of the Stained Glass Windows was started in 1969 and all were completed by 1973. These windows were given as memorials and gifts.
 
The first six windows were installed in July, 1970.

1. “ NATIVITY ”

2. “ CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE ”

3. “ PALM SUNDAY ”

4. “ LAST SUPPER ”

5. “ CHAPEL, CIRCUIT RIDER ”

6. “ WORSHIP AND MUSIC ”
 
The four more windows were installed for the Easter Service in April, 1971.

7. “ JOHN WESLEY ”

8. “ CREATION ”

9. “ ART AND EDUCATION ”

10. “ RESURRECTION ”
 
In November 1971, three more windows were finished.

11. “ BAPTISM ”
12. “ Paul ”
 
13. “ FAMILY LIFE AND BROTHERHOOD ”
 
The remaining three windows were completed in June, 1973.
 

14. “ CALLING OF THE DISCIPLES 

15. “ CRUCIFIXION ”

16. “ MODERN CITY ”
 
 
 

Our Church Architecture

Posted on Dec 8, 2025 in THE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS |

The Sanctuary of Christ Church United Methodist, Tucson

The Sanctuary of Christ Church United Methodist, Tucson

 
Our Church Architecture
 
In designing the plans for Christ Church, United Methodist, our architect had in mind both our Methodist heritage and the functions for which our church building would be used.
 
The front of the church symbolizes the importance of the “Word.” The Communion Table, with the chalice and plate, stands for the centrality of the Lord’s Supper, one of the two sacraments in the United Methodist Church. The choir loft emphasizes the importance of singing and congregational participation in Methodist worship. The lecturn for the lay speakers stresses the importance of the lay ministry, it also serves as the pulpit where the preacher teaches expounding on the Word of God.

Throughout it’s history, the United Methodist Church has been known as a church that places an emphasis on putting ones’ faith into action. Therefore, while worship is the central celebration of our community life together, it is not the primary focus of the Christ life. To reflect this our sanctuary is built off center, symbolizing the importance of practicing faith beyond worship on Sunday.
 
The Symbol of the Trinity and The Wooden Cross of Christ Church United Methodist, Tucson

The Symbol of Trinity and Wooden Cross

 
The cross with the three intersecting circles emphasizes the Trinity, which stands for God known in three different ways but also as One: Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, traditionally called Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.. The cross in this symbol superimposes God’s self over the Trinity in three different ways. Because it is infront, the cross focuses us on Christ,, the second person of the Trinity, and points to the name of our Church, Christ Church.
 
 
The Stained Glass Windows of Christ Church United Methodist, Tucson

The Stained Glass Windows of Christ Church United Methodist

 
In the planning of our church structure, the desire was to build the church as a basically functional building. Built both economically and well, using simple materials like plain wood and brick, while also being beautiful. It was the desire of the congregation not to build a lavish cathedral but instead a simple, yet beautiful, structure. The good stewardship of building a simple, functional, and economical building would allow the church to use its money in service to others. To enhance the beauty of the building, the stained glass windows would be incorporated as a elegant finishing touch.
 
 
The Stained Glass Windows of Christ Church United Methodist, Tucson

The Stained Glass Windows of Christ Church United Methodist

 
Stained glass plays an important role in the decoration of a church. The windows, with their wealth of rich color and pattern, their symbolism and significant figures composed in stories, are an essential complement to the architecture. Today we need to discover afresh the beauty of non-verbal symbols that express and enrich, and tell the story of our faith.
 
 
The Stained Glass Windows of Christ Church United Methodist, Tucson

The Stained Glass Windows of Christ Church United Methodist

 

 
 
 

Stained Glass Window Memorials

Posted on Dec 8, 2025 in THE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS |

Left: CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE WINDOW; Right: THE NATIVITY WINDOW

Left: II CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE WINDOW; Right: I THE NATIVITY WINDOW

 

1. “Nativity”
In memory of Marguerite Colby, Mabell Davis, Mary Sinks, John Lockard, Edith Loren, Pat Summeraur, F. C. Jones, Ida Harshman, Fannie Peterman, Leonard Fosdick, Charles Clinton.

2. “Christ in the Temple”
Given by Mr. & Mrs. Willard F. Robinson
 
Left: THE BAPTISM WINDOW; Right: CALLING OF DISCIPLES WINDOW

Left: III THE BAPTISM WINDOW; Right: IV CALLING OF DISCIPLES WINDOW

 

3. “Baptism”
In memory of Marjorie Putnam Simmons, Harvey Anderson, Richard C. Anderson, William Jaggers, Alfred Gust Friske, Albert Robbins, Ethel F. Ritter, Esther Ritter, Mrs. Grimmett.

4. “Calling of Disciples”
In memory of Joseph P. Hineline, Margaret Geistweit, Russell Evarts, Barbara Isbell, Ben. B. Ash, Herbert Hall, Blair Leopold, O. H. Hall, Irene M. Hext. Also given by Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Dewhirst, Mark, Kirk, and Kathleen.
 
Left: THE LAST SUPPER WINDOW; Right: THE PALM SUNDAY WINDOW

Left: VI THE LAST SUPPER WINDOW; Right: V THE PALM SUNDAY WINDOW

 

5. “Palm Sunday”
In memory of Barbara Buschmeyer.

6. “Last Supper”
Given by a Friend of the Church.
 
Left: THE CRUCIFIXTION WINDOW; Right: THE RESURRECTION WINDOW

Left: VII THE CRUCIFIXTION WINDOW; Right: VIII THE RESURRECTION WINDOW

 

7. “Crucifixion”
In memory of Maxine E. Florian.

8. “Resurrection”
In memory of Nancy Loren Jacobs, Beulah Laskey, Paul Dew, Blair Leopold, Harlan Belden, Lt. Gary Anderson, William Jaggers, Harry L. Rice, Mr. & Mrs. G. R. Pate, Mr. & Mrs. Carl Mauser, Mr. & Mrs. William Watts.
 
Left: MISSIONS AND PAUL WINDOW; Right: THE CREATION WINDOW

Left: X MISSIONS AND PAUL WINDOW; Right: IX THE CREATION WINDOW

 

9. “Creation”
In memory of Dr. J. J. Tretbar.“

10. “Paul”
In memory of Rev. Joseph Eastvold, Timothy Marshall Alcorn, James Mark Alcorn, Bessie Alcorn.
 
Left: THE JOHN WESLEY WINDOW; Right: THE CIRCUIT RIDER WINDOW

Left: XI THE JOHN WESLEY WINDOW; Right: XII THE CIRCUIT RIDER WINDOW

 

11. “John Wesley”
In memory of Kenneth David May.

12. “Chapel, Circuit Rider”
In memory of Leonard S. Fosdick.
 
Left: FAMILY AND BROTHERHOODWINDOW Right: ARTS AND EDUCATION WINDOW

Left: XIV FAMILY AND BROTHERHOODWINDOW Right: XIII ARTS AND EDUCATION WINDOW

 

13. “Education & Arts”
In memory of Edgar W. Putnam.

14. “Family & Brotherhood”
In honor of F. L. Zimmerman.
In memory of Mrs. Rae Zimmerman, Mr. & Mrs. P. W. Summerour.
 
Left: THE MODERN CITY; WINDOW Right: MUSIC AND WORSHIP WINDOW

Left: XV THE MODERN CITY WINDOW; Right: XVI MUSIC AND WORSHIP WINDOW

 

15. “Modern City”
In memory of Mrs. Frances Rucker, J. Freeman Cooper, O. M. Hall, David Allen, Charles R. Washburn, Sr., Mrs. James P. Knarr, Robert M. Howe, Mrs. Lillian C. Lear, Mr. & Mrs. Nealy Pennington, Mr. & Mrs. C. E. Coppedge, Revs. Hope & Luther Coppedge.
Also given by Mr. & Mrs. Kermit Greer, Mr. & Mrs. Carl Terry, Robert Hoehn, Jr., Mr. & Mrs. Alford Scott, the Russ Seitz family.

16. “Worship, Music”
In memory of Barbara Christ.
 
 
(Roma Lear Loren, Symbols of Christ Church United Methodist, 1979:23-24)
 
 
 
 

XIII Arts and Education Window

Posted on Dec 7, 2025 in THE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS |

Left: FAMILY AND BROTHERHOODWINDOW Right: ARTS AND EDUCATION WINDOW

Left: XIV FAMILY AND BROTHERHOODWINDOW Right: XIII ARTS AND EDUCATION WINDOW

 
ARTS AND EDUCATION WINDOW

 

XIII ARTS AND EDUCATION WINDOW

 

Top: Compass for Architecture, Engineering, Science

Palette and brushes depict fine arts.

Quill and ink bottle.

Writing of words and music.

Bottom: Lamp is for knowledge and Christian learning on stack of books of wisdom.

ARTS AND EDUCATION: Jesus said we should love God not only with all of our heart, soul and strength, but also with our minds. God wants a commitment of all of our faculties.
 
 
 

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