THE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS OF OUR LADY OF THE LAKE CHURCH

   THE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS OF OUR LADY OF THE LAKE CHURCH

     The original church of Our Lady of the Lake parish was built in 1908 with the corner stone laid on August 23 of that year.  As the plans for it were being made, donations were solicited.  Many offered monetary gifts for memorial windows which were installed then.  Most of these window were very similar in color and design except for a round bluish inset which depicted individual symbols.

     The original church has been dismantled and these memorial windows are now installed in the present church.

     As you approach the main entrance to the church look up above the sidewalk to the canopy.  Installed there is the stained glass window originally given in memory of James W. Ross.  It contains a cross and anchor, the symbols of faith and hope respectively.  It also contains the letters INRI, which stands for the Latin Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum (Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.)

     Upon entering this newer church from the main entrance through the Family Room, the stained glass windows can be seen in all their glory.

     The first window on the right side as you enter the church proper was given in memory of Geo. A. Ross.  Unfortunately the circle of this window was at one time broken and has had its bluish circle replaced.

     The second window on the right was given in memory of John & Frances Hoffman.  The Latin words, "Ave Marie," (Hail Mary) is the greeting which the Angel Gabriel gave to the Mother of Jesus when He appeared to her at the time of the Incarnation.  It is also the name of a famous hymn, represented by the scroll and music notes.  The olive branch in fruit signifies the peace which Jesus, the Fruit of Mary's womb, wishes to bring.

     The third window on the right was given in Memory of John L. & Mary S. DeMoss.  This circle is a stylized artwork of a cross and the initials IHS, the first letters of the Greek "Jesus Hominum Salvator" meaning "Jesus Savior of men."  The cross was the means by which Jesus saves us.

    
The fourth window on the right side was given in memory of Patrick & Ann Keenan.  It's circle contains the Holy Bible, the Scriptures or God speaking to us through the written word.  God's light from heaven illuminates His words.

     The fifth window was given in memory of Peter J. Gibard.  Holy Communion is represented by the host and the chalice, remindful of the bread and cup Jesus used at the Last Supper.

     The window in the chapel had been installed over the main entrance door of the original church.

     Turning toward the left, the stained glass window on the right before reaching the east entrance of the church was given in memory of Daniel and Mary Collins.  It's circle features the crown of thorns representing the suffering and martydom of Christ as God's Son.  INRI stands for "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews."

     The window to the right of the rose window in the entrance was given in memory of David Ahern.  It had been installed in the sanctuary on the right side of the altar of the original church.  The banner "Ecce Agnes Dei" is Latin for "Behold the Lamb of God."  "The Lamb of God" is Christ.  The runic cross on the banner is the form of a cross that was common in northern Europe and was historically used to denote union with the Church in Rome.

     The rose window in the east entrance had been in the steeple tower of the original church.

     The window to the left of the rose window was given in memory of Fr. James Marquette.  The host and chalice is very appropriate to remember a priest who dedicated his life to missionary work.  In the Old Testament grapes and vine stood for entry into the Promised Land.  In the New testament they are the symbol for the blood of Christ, Holy Communion.

     The window in the church proper to the left looking east toward the entry was given in memory of John O'Callaghan.  It's circle depicts St. Patrick's miter or bishop's headdress.  It differs in shape from modern miters which historically developed at a later date.  It is topped by the x shaped cross of St. Patrick.  Its lappet on the left has a runic cross denoting union with Rome.  The lappet on the right has the Irish cross.  The three leafed design on either side of the meter symbolizes the Holy Trinity.

     The window around the corner to the left was given in memory of Michael Dunn.  It's kingly crown with its jewels denotes the majesty of God, the cross represents Christ and faith in Him.  The fleur-de-lis etched in the cross is a symbol of the Holy Trinity.

     The last window is on the left side of the altar.  It was given in memory of Denis McCarthy.  It's circle symbolizes the pope, the successor of St. Peter who was given the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven.  The tiara or triple crown is a symbol of his sovereign power over the Vatican.  In liturgical functions the pope always wears a miter, not the tiara.

     The gifts of those who have gone before are still presenting us with symbols of their faith.