Windows of Immanuel

Gift of the Women’s Aid Society

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthian 13:13)

Immanuel's Rose Window is on the North Wall of the Main Sanctuary, directly opposite the pulpit, high under the vaulted roof above the main entrance, on Wilshire Blvd. It is a great circular masterpiece of stone tracery and stained glass. Its emblematic meaning is made more impressive by its purity of color and symmetry of construction.

Roses of deep ruby-red are grouped in threes, while by each cluster appears the symbol of the Crown of Kingship. The association of these two emblems denotes the Holy Trinity. The continued theme of the circle, as it outlines the window, and is repeated in the design of the glass, denotes completeness.

Gift of the Mathuss Estate in memory of Z. D. Mathuss & his wife

My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour (Luke 1: 47)

Directly below the Rose Window, in line with the main entrance to the Sanctuary, are five narrow panels of rich-colored glass showing many Kingly Crowns and the Golden Five-pointed Star. They represent Christ in His manifestation to the Gentiles. Many rays from the Major Star directed downward to clustered smaller stars repeatedly appear, for it is the GREAT CREATOR SYMBOL.

The Center Panel shows the slender Maiden-Mother, in her radiant blue, holding the Holy Child in her arms, her face radiating joy, standing on the threshold of her new life of sorrow crowned with blessing.

(East Balcony Center)

Gift of Mrs. Delos T. Davenport and her daughter, in memory of Mr. Delos T. Davenport

And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. Luke 2: 47

This scene shows the young boy from Nazareth in the temple among the learned doctors, one of whom holds a scroll in his hand; the text of which he may have been discussing with this youth, whose mother stands by with awe in her face, waiting to draw Him away with her.

The towers at the top of the windows indicate the temple location of the incident. The candlesticks are without flame and may be a symbolic representation of the New Testament statement that Jesus is the light of the world.

(East Balcony North)

Gift of Miss Thirsa Merriam in memory of her parents Mr. & Mrs. Arthur G. Merriam

“Is not this the carpenter's son; is not His Mother called Mary?” Matt. 13:55 

Here is the interior of the carpenter shop where Jesus handles the tools of His carpenter father, Joseph. It is a practical work-a-day scene emphasizing the down to earth problems of daily living with which the human family of Jesus had to cope.

It was out of such experiences as this that Jesus drew the illustrations for His preaching and teaching. The symbol of the supernatural is expressed by a golden cross contained in a circle, to betoken both humility and triumph.

(The Window of Parting – East Balcony South)

Gift of Mrs. W. P. Jeffries, Mrs. Mary H. Grave, Mr. C. E. W. Hubbell, in memory of Judge and Mrs. S. C. Hubbell

“He said to them, ‘Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be about my Father's business.’” Luke 2:49

This window depicts Jesus bidding farewell to His mother as He begins His ministry. It is reminiscent of His statement to Mary many years before, "I must be about my Father's business."

Here we see a circle of gold containing a combination of the Anchor and Cross symbolizing God's promise of protection and safety.

The lily blossoms at the feet of both Jesus and His mother are symbolic of purity, innocence and heavenly bliss.

(West Balcony Center)

In memory of Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Chilberg

"Jesus said to them, 'Fill the jars with water.' And they filled them up to the brim." John 2:7 

Jesus' first miracle was performed at a wedding in the small town of Cana. The wedding banquet is seen in the background and Jesus, In the foreground, is changing the water into wine.

This miracle of changing the common, colorless and polluted water of the time into the bubbling, purple and refreshing new wine is symbolic of Jesus' whole ministry of taking the common, colorless and polluted and changing it into the bubbling, living newness of the Kingdom of God.

(West Balcony North)

Gift of Mr. & Mrs. Fred Blunden

‘I say to you, stand up and take your bed and go to your home.’  Luke 5:24 

In this window the power and strength and authority of Christ stand in contrast to the weakness and pain of those coming to Him. A crippled boy is being healed. One person worships in amazement at this miracle.

A man struggles to bring a helpless friend into the presence of the healing Christ, reminding us of our responsibility to help those in need to discover the ability of Christ to give them a new life.

(West Balcony South)

Gift of Mr. & Mrs. E. E. Rowley

“He entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying..”  Luke 10:30-39

Here is Jesus visiting in the home of Lazarus, Mary and Martha in the city of Bethany, near to Jerusalem. Mary is on her knees in her usual position of adoration, while Martha is on her feet, busy with her household chores.

Jesus is speaking His interesting word or warning to Martha, that it is possible to be so busy making a living that you can fail to live a life. Mary, He tells them, has chosen the better part because she has taken time to learn.

(East Balcony Transept)

Gift of Mrs. Murray Harris, Mrs. Howard Rivers, Mrs. Harold Wright, and Mr. Salisbury Field

A Memorial to Mr. & Mrs. F. S. Field

Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.’." Matt. 19:14 

This Children's Window shows Jesus surrounded with children, whom He touches with blessing as He moves among them. This is a scene full of animation, in three panels, the Christ in the center, reaching out with a gesture of loving interest on every side.

His figure, in the center panel, appears in the glowing red expressive of His sacrifice for all people, while the mothers of the little ones are clothed in either dark blue or rich green. Green is almost the dominant color here, as it is shown in plants and trees and clothing, for it is the emblem of life and growth. It makes a fitting setting for this scene of Jesus' concern for children.

(West Balcony Transept)

Gift of Mr. & Mrs. E. E. Rowley

Gift of Mrs. James H. Woods, Mr. & Mrs. Robert S. Woods, A memorial to Mr. James Hall Woods

“For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men.” Matt. 28:4

Here is the dramatic scene of the resurrection, showing the tomb in the garden open and the majestic figure of the Lord advancing from it. 

The soldiers fall back in terror, their shields having fallen to the ground and their swords undrawn, useless in the face of this risen Christ. 

Yet, even though His presence strikes terror, in His hand is a staff and His other hand points above, symbolic of His being the Way to the Father.

(South wall, above Choir Loft)

Gift of Mrs. Albert E. Meyer

“When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.” Acts 1:9

On the South Wall, above the Choir Loft, the center panel shows the Kingly robed figure of Christ rising from the earth into heaven, against a background of heavenly blue. 

In the outer panels are Angels, richly colorful, hailing Him with trumpets in hand or at lips, for this is the beautiful symbol of Ascension. 

Separate emblems shown are varied and significant: the shield representing faith; the monogram I.H.S. for the words, Jesus Hominum Salvator - Jesus Savior of Mankind; and the lily blossoms symbolizing the resurrection. 

The ornamental stonework around the window carries a pattern of trefoil [sic] for the Trinity, and quatrifoil [sic] symbolizing the Four Evangelists and the Four Gospels. 

In the quatrifoil [sic] above the figure of Christ, the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, alpha and omega, appear, carrying out the vision of the Book of Revelations that Jesus is the first and the last.

(West side of Sanctuary, south end, left)

In loving memory of Mr. Earl Miller, died March 1913, Mrs. Cornelia Campbell, died May 1969, by their daughter, Mrs. Mildred Levis

“He called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.” (Matt 4: 21-22)

John has come to be known as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” His response to Jesus' call was immediate, as he left his fishing nets to follow the Master. 

At times, Jesus referred to John and his brother James, as “the sons of thunder” due, evidently, to their quick temper and their insistence [sic] that He call down fire from heaven to destroy those who would not accept Jesus' message. 

His close association with Christ evidently produced a great change in his personality, for the great emphasis in his writings is that Christians “love one another.” 

(West side of Sanctuary, south end, right)

 In loving memory of Mr. Donald G. Farneman, 1892-1971, by his wife Mrs. Grace I. Farneman

“Philip said to him, ‘Come and see.’” (John 1:46)

The New Testament tells us very little about Philip. He came from the town of Bethsaida, as did Peter and Andrew. On meeting Jesus, he went at once to tell his friend, Nathaniel. His very practical advice to his doubting friend was, “come and see.” He raised the question of how much it would cost to feed five thousand; and in the upper room he said, “show us who the Father is, and we will be satisfied.” To which Jesus responded, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still do not know me?” 

(West side of Sanctuary, center, left)

In loving memory of Mr. Arl N. Anderson, 1888-1969, by his wife, Elsie, his family and his many friends.

“‘There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish.” (John 6: 9a)

Like his brother Peter, Andrew was a fisherman. Whenever we see him in the New Testament, he is bringing someone to Jesus. He was the first disciple, and immediately went and found his brother. 

Later in the Gospel, he is the one who brings the little boy with the lunch to Jesus, making possible the feeding of the five thousand. 

On another occasion, when Greeks came looking for Jesus, it is Andrew who brings them to the Master. 

He appears to have been a man of quiet strength, on whom others could rely. 

The Son of Zebedee

(West side of Sanctuary, center

In loving memory of Mrs. Nannie Lipton Hinman 1886-1957

“King Herod laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. 

He had James, the brother of John, killed with the sword.” (Acts 12:1-2) 

James is the brother of John. He, like his brother, left his fishing boats and nets to follow Christ and become a fisher of men. James is the only one of the disciples whose martyrdom is recorded in the New Testament, (Acts 12:1-2). In one of the early persecutions of the church, he was beheaded by Herod Agrippa I. 

(West side of Sanctuary, north end)

In loving memory of Mr. George Jackson, 1884-1950 by his wife, Mrs. Edna Bell Jackson

“And the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles. (Acts 1:26b)

This is the one Apostle who was chosen by vote of the other Apostles. After the death of Judas, Peter suggested that his office should be filled by another. The one requirement was that he be someone who had followed the Lord from the time of His baptism. 

The vote was taken, and Mathias was chosen to replace the man who betrayed the Lord. 

(West side of Sanctuary, north end)

In loving memory of Nellie D. Frame, 1885-1973 by her husband, Roy D. Frame E

“He said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him.” (Mark 2: 14)

This Apostle was originally a tax collector whose name was Levi. This was a despised profession among the Jews, for these men were looked upon as extortioners and traitors. Yet Jesus, who looks on the heart, was able to see what prejudice kept others from seeing, and He called this social outcast to be one of the twelve. 

(East side of Sanctuary, south end)

In loving memory of Mrs. Annie S. McConnell, 1870-1949 by her son, Mr. Odell S. McConnell

Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ (John 20:28)

We have no record of how Thomas was called to be an Apostle. His name” Didymus” indicates that he was a twin. He is remembered best for his doubts. For he was not present when Jesus first appeared to His disciples after the resurrection, and when told of the matter he said that he would not believe until he touched Jesus' wounds. 

But later, when he met the risen Christ, it was Thomas who made the great confession, “My Lord and my God.”

(East side of Sanctuary, south end)

In loving memory of George C. Cook, 1884-1970, Jean S. Cook 1887-1962, by their family. Joined Immanuel 1915

All that we know about Simon is that he was called “ the Zealot.” The Zealots were a political party sworn to the violent overthrow of the rule of Rome in Palestine. It is obvious that his meeting with Christ had disarmed him and started him from the road of hate to Jesus' way

(East side of Sanctuary, north end, left)

In loving memory of Dr. Raymond W. Huntsberger, 1896-1970, by his good friend, Mrs. Ruth L. Kegley

“‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’” (John 1:49)

This name does not appear in John's Gospel but the fact that he is mentioned in Matthew, Mark, Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, leads us to believe that Bartholomew and Nathaniel are one and the same person. 

When he first met the Lord, Jesus described him as an “Israelite in whom there is no guile.”

(East side of Sanctuary, north end, right)

In loving memory of Dr. Harper C. Donaldson, 1889-1972 by his wife, Mrs. PrIiscilla Donaldson & his many Friends.

James was thought to be a cousin of the Lord. He is not prominent in the Gospel accounts, but we find in the Book of Acts that he is one of the leaders of the early Christian church. 

He, together with the other leaders, was Responsable for agreeing with Paul that the Gospel was for Gentiles and that they could become Christians without first becoming Jews.

(East side of Sanctuary, center, left)

In loving memory of Mr. Earl A. Proctor, 1886-1957 by his wife, Mrs. Laila Joy Proctor

Thaddaeus is otherwise known as Jude. We know very little about him and we cannot be sure that he is the author of the epistle that bears this name. 

The only time we hear from him in the New Testament is at the Last Supper, where he asks Jesus why he does not manifest himself to the whole world. Jesus' answer indicates that love is the key to all he said and did, and it is only those who love Him who will understand His truth.

East side of Sanctuary, center, right)

In loving memory of Mr. Albert C. Maynard, 1894-1970 by his wife, Mrs. Bessie Maynard

Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17)

Peter, the Big Fisherman, we know more about. His name leads the list of the Apostles' in each account. He was a spokesman for the twelve, often blurting out impetuously, words that he was soon to regret. 

His denial of his Lord and his repentance and restoration to leadership in the early church can teach us, in a vivid way, that human weakness is no obstacle to human greatness, if life is committed to Jesus Christ.

(Named for Immanuel’s first pastor, the Reverend William J. Chichester)

The Chapel within holds an air of quiet intimacy appropriate to those rites which are most often performed here: marriage for the young, and “homegoing” for the elder saints “who from their labors rest.” A frame of dark carved woodwork prevails, as throughout the entire building.

One should not leave this part of the church without noting that an invitation in lettered form is posted outside the street doors, extending a hand of welcome to any passerby who may feel an inclination to come in for a quiet period of meditation and prayer. 

This suggests the spiritual sweetness and simplicity of the first pastor, Doctor Chichester, whom everyone loved. Likewise, everyone loves Chichester Chapel.

Gift of Wilshire Guild

On the north wall, high above the rear balcony, is the Rose Window, echoing the larger design of the Rose Window in the Main Sanctuary.

(Westside, North)

Gift of Mrs. Charles Howe in memory of her husband.

“And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.’  Matt. 4:19 

Here He is calling away from their work as fishermen, the first two of His disciples, Peter and John. It is a simple declaratory scene, visualizing a dramatic incident which has changed the history of the world.

(Westside Center)

Gift of Mrs. William Holland in memory of her husband.

“But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said.” Matt. 28:5-6 

The two Marys appear at the tomb in the garden, where the angel tells them that the Christ they seek has risen and is no longer there.

It was out of such experiences as this that Jesus drew the illustrations for His preaching and teaching. The symbol of the supernatural is expressed by a golden cross contained in a circle, to betoken both humility and triumph.

(Westside, South)

Gift of Mrs. Charles Howe in memory of her husband

“but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.” John 4:14

This window features the Woman of Samaria beside the well, where Jesus offers her the Water of Life, in place of the water that quenches thirst only temporarily.

“When Jesus heard this, he said to him, ‘There is still one thing lacking. Sell all that you own and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’” Luke 18:22

Here Jesus is shown with the Rich Young Ruler, whose future course is at the paramount point of decision. The two figures are so immediate and life-like in form and attitude that they appear more like portraits in oil than stained glass. 

The young ruler, in his robes of purple and gold, holds his head at a tilt that is eloquent of self-importance as his mind struggles against the counsel of the Teacher whose disciple he really wants to be. His face, willful and lovable, eloquent of youth, shows that he is bewildered to learn that he cannot both eat his cake and have it.

(Eastside, South)

Gift of Mrs. Delos T. Davenport

“Then he put them all outside, and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, ‘Talitha cum’, which means, ‘Little girl, get up!’ And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about (she was twelve years of age).” Mark 5:40-42

The companion window shows the Raising of Jairus’ Daughter: Jesus leaning forward from a low stone bench and lifting with his arms a beautiful young girl who had been lying on the ground wrapped in rich-colored robes. Her father stands watching, half turned away, as if hardly believing she has been called back to life.

“And seeing the multitudes, He went up into a mountain: and when He was set, His disciples came unto Him: 

And He opened His mouth, and taught them, saying, 

'Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.’” Matthew 5:1-12 

“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, 10, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20 

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:18-19

“And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and break it, and gave to them, and said, ‘Take, eat: this is my body.’ 

And He took the cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them: and they all drank of it. 

And He said unto them, ‘This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.” Mark 14:22-24 

“. . . this do in remembrance of me.” Luke 22:19