The
meaning of:
(The
Holy Spirit Window)
Top
Panel: The Hovering Dove, the focal point
of the inner circle of the Rosette, symbolizes the HOLY SPIRIT which radiates
in all directions--"and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form
like a dove." And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I
love; with you I am well pleased."
Entwining
around the Dove are two concentric circles of seven Mouchettes each and with
each Mouchette containing a Tongue of Flame (A mouchette is a "tear
drop" or modified "tear drop" figurette.) The inner circle of
seven Mouchettes represents the seven Gifts of the HOLY SPIRIT as given in the
Old Testament (Isaiah): Wisdom, Understanding, Piety, Counsel, Might,
Knowledge, and Fear of the LORD. The outer circle of seven Mouchettes
represents the seven Gifts of the HOLY SPIRIT as given in the New Testament
(Revelations): Power, Wealth, Wisdom, Might, Honor, Glory, and Blessing.
The
Hovering Dove also symbolizes the transference of GOD's miraculous power to the
Disciples at Pentecost, represented as "tongues of flames" appearing
on the heads of the Disciples signifying the presence of the HOLY SPIRIT.
Center
Panel:
This panel contains a Baptismal Fount of Fire--"I baptize you with water
for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose
sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and
with Fire. "
Also,
the Flames of the Fire are nine in number, representing the nine Fruit of the
HOLY SPIRIT; Love, Joy, Peace, Long Suffering, Faith, Gentleness, Goodness,
Meekness and Temperance (Galations).
Bottom
Panel:
The name and theme of this window, "DER HEILIGE GEIST" is written in
German with honor and respect for, and in memory of our hard working German
Ancestors who bequeathed us their Heritage and this magnificent edifice.
The meaning of:
Companion
Window
This
window is essentially identical in construction and symbolism to the top panel
of the "Holy Spirit Window" except for the inner circle of the
Rosette. The central focus of this Companion Window is the four Doves each
flying in a different direction signifying that whichever way a person travels,
the HOLY SPIRIT travels with them.
The
tails and wings of the Doves are cut so that the centermost image of the
Rosette is that of the Cross. The Cross is made of the same glass as were the
Flames in The Holy Spirit window---suggesting that the Doves are bearers of the
Spirit's Energizing Fire.