Windows Gallery

The windows of Pilgrim Lutheran Church are traditional leaded stained-glass windows. They were fabricated using American Cathedral glass (which is transparent colored glass with a mechanical finish imparted by a roller) and handmade, mouthblown antique glass.

The painting on the glasses was executed in the traditional Trace and Matte Technique of glass painting. Some of the antique glass is “flashed” which means that the base glass color (usually clear) is fused to another thin layer of color. This enables the glass artist to sandblast or acid etch one of the layers to create special color shading and effects in a single piece of glass. There is also extensive use of silver stain in creating the ornate gold background glasses.

Because of the way it is made, by hand and by utilizing mouth-blowing techniques, there are faults (streaks, bubbles and striations) in the glasses. Just as Christ heals our human imperfection, the windows are made beautiful by light shining through.

Almost 70 years later the beautiful windows of Pilgrim have stood the test of time enduring earthquakes, riots, and a worldwide pandemic.

All of the windows at Pilgrim Lutheran relate to the theme of Sacrifice, ours to God, but most especially His to us! Please come visit us and learn about our artistic windows and God’s Gospel message. We welcome you.

“The Good Samaritan,” flanked by the Law to love God and your neighbor, and the scale of testing.

“The Boy Christ in the Temple,” flanked by the burning lamp of faith and the symbol of confirmation.

“The Widow’s Mite,” flanked by Abraham’s sacrifice and the altar of the Old Covenant.

“Christ Walking on the Water,” flanked by the anchor cross and the cross on the rock.

“The Good Shepherd,” flanked by the light of the world ant he folded hands.

“Christ Preaching the Gospel to the Woman of Samaria,” flanked by the pitcher of living water and I H S (Jesus, Savior of men).

“Jesus turns and Looks at Peter,” flanked by the nails and crown of thorns, the cross and the winding sheet.

“The Ascension of Jesus,” flanked by the fiery chariot and the phoenix bird.

“Rock of Ages,” flanked by baptismal font and chalice and host.

“Jesus Knocking at the Door,” flanked by the fleur-de-lis and the symbol of the Trinity.

The Chancel Triptych

Dedication Section

The glorious windows of Pilgrim were dedicated to the following members, who have been called home to be with our Lord:

Walter and Amanda Amling; Oscar F. Mayer; K. Iwasa, MD; Louis T. Troeger; Louise C. Mayer; Walter, Lydia and June Fischer; John T. and Tabitha Bolz; A. John Troegger; August Rode; Julian Floyd Reither; William Dudley Plont; Cynthia Jeanne Lofquist; Henry and Lena Hillman; Casper and Elizabeth Huber; Mr. and Mrs. P.H. Hinrichsen; Christina Fritz; George Wiederrich; Harry H. Seidenstucker; Henry Kohls; Dr. Arno J. Kuehnert; Ida Tiedeman; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Reimers; Rev. Dr. Roloff Johnsen; William and Mary Freudenberg; John Berg; Marie Fischer Wiederrich; Glenn L. Raasch; Wilhelm and Emilie Rietz; Augusta Peters; John Dumph; J. Monroe; M. Elizabeth Geary; Emma H. Gruner; Anna Kornemann Johnsen; Dr. Walter A. Maier by Pilgrim’s Women’s Guild.

The Rose Window was dedicated to Pilgrim by the children of the Church, Jr. Choir, Parish School, and Sunday School.

Resources