New Church Doors and Stained Glass

After exhaustive research into options for doors and hardware, new exterior doors for the narthex and the office have been ordered. By the end of summer, our church entrance will be transformed into a light-filled, inspiring and welcoming environment.

Across the front of the church, there will continue to be the appearance of six doors. The center pair will be functional; the pair on each side will be simulated. The church obtained clearance from the fire inspector for this arrangement. The side door leading to the parish hall will be wide and equipped with handicap controls, and both side doors will have glass panels. All of our doors will be lighter weight, will have new hardware for easier handling, will be low maintenance, and will be well insulated.

Each of the six "doors" on the front will contain a panel of stained glass. The Facilities Commission, together with wardens, clergy and others, devoted six months to reviewing types of window designs, selecting an artist, and finalizing the design. The effect from the street was a primary consideration in the design process. At its February meeting, the Vestry approved the design. Now work has begun and late in September we can look forward to an inviting and inspiring entrance.

The committee determined that the design should fit with the architecture of the church building, and after seeing examples of various options, decided also to have the panels present an integrated image across the front of the church.

The design chosen by the committee and approved by the vestry, suggests a wide glowing arch across the entire width, above a foundation of cool colors suggesting paths into faith and into our church, and then leading out in mission and ministry to the community and the world. Within and below the arch are symbols that represent in each panel:

Jesus’ resurrection as our evidence of eternal life,

The descending dove representing the presence of the Holy Spirit,

The Body of Christ, our diverse church community together at St. James’,

The tree of life, springing from rock and suggesting enduring faith.

We believe that our new facade will indeed present an inviting image to our community. It will be illuminated to the street at night from inside, and especially beautiful during the day from inside. In the future, we may consider stained glass for side narthex doors and church windows.

There have been memorial gifts given for the funding of four of the stained glass panels. Two panels remain available for dedication, at $5,500 each. If you are interested in knowing more about that opportunity, please contact Isabelle Schuessler, the clergy, or wardens.