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The Stained Glass Windows of St Mark’s

by Mike Hardy

The stained glass windows that adorn St Mark’s were designed by The Reverend Norman M. Post, first rector of this parish, and were dedicated in 1968, when the parish moved form the current chapel into this building. Each window was given to the church by families in the parish, in memory of their loved ones.

The windows are unique in that each one depicts both a historical and contemporary interpretation of the Scripture passage or sacrament that it illustrates. Each window includes two different religious symbols in the small spaces at the top of each arch. In addition to decorating our church, the windows serve as graphic lessons for us all.

The windows were manufactured in England by Wippel’s, a church furnishings company located in Westminster, and installed by the company’s New Jersey office. It is interesting to note that, each time Jesus is shown, his head is surrounded by a golden halo on which a red cross is superimposed; this occurs in every window except Number 16. Today, the windows are protected from the elements by exterior sheets of Lexan.

A Walking Tour of the Windows

by Fr. Norman Post

The first window is located in the southwest corner of the church and the numbers progress in a counterclockwise direction to the northeast corner.

Each window has a biblical verse in the lowest panel. The main portion of the window depicts the event in the life and ministry of our Blessed Lord Jesus that is related to that scriptural passage.

The contemporary scene in the top arch of the window relates the main scene to His work in our own time. Each window shows some aspect of life in the church today including the administration of the seven sacraments. In other words, what the Lord did in the first century, He still does in this century, working through His church here in Basking Ridge and His church throughout the world.

They found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger.

Luke 2:6

The Holy Family depicts the Blessed Virgin and St Joseph with the Holy Child. The contemporary scene shows a Christian family, conveying that we should pattern our families after that of our Blessed Lord.

The window’s symbols are a rose, a reference to Mary, and a lily, signifying her purity.

Given in memory of George and Edith May Miller through their estate.

They presented unto Him gifts.

Matthew 2:11

The Adoration of the Magi, or The Offering Window, portrays the coming of the Wise Men with their gifts to the infant Jesus. In the contemporary section, the offering of the congregation is presented at the altar where we also present our gifts unto the Lord.

The symbols in this window are the King’s crowns and the Star that led them to Jesus.

Given in memory of Return Johnson and Roberta Meigs, by Mr. and Mrs. B. V. Meigs

They found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them and asking them questions.

Luke 2:46

Jesus in the Temple shows our Lord in the temple at age 12, being questions and answering the Jewish teachers of His day. in the contemporary scene, a church school class continues the church’s work of instruction.

The symbols in this window are a torch, signifying the light of learning, and a scroll opened to Isaiah, who prophesied Jesus’ coming.

Given in memory of Lillian Blodgett Bowman by Mr. and Mrs. B. V. Meigs

Except a man be born of water and the spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

John 3:5

The Baptism of Jesus, or The Baptism Widow, depicts the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. The contemporary scene shows a baptism service today; the font pictures here is the one from our original church, now our chapel.

The window shows a fish, the first symbol of Christianity, and a shell, which was used in the early baptisms to hold the holy water.

Given in memory of John E. Schuessler by the Schuessler family

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you and ordained you.

John 15:16

The Calling of the Twelve Apostles, or The Ordination Window, portrays Our Lord calling two apostles to this ministry. The contemporary scene depicts an ordination service, through which the work of the apostles is carried on today.

This window displays an anchor, symbolizing the foundation of our religion, and a chalice, the sign of ordination.

Given in memory of John Benjamin DeCoste and Florence M. And Louis Harrison by Mr. and Mrs. John B. DeCoste

There was a marriage in Cana, and Jesus was called.

John 2:1,2

The Wedding at Cana of Galilee, or The Marriage Window, shows our Lord at the Wedding at Cana of Galilee. The contemporary scene shows a wedding today, indicating our Lord’s presence at weddings in His church.

The symbols in this window, a wedding bell and rings, are the signs of lifelong marriage.

Given in memory of Aline and Otto R. Greiner by Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Greiner

Jesus, seeing the multitude, went up into a mountain and He opened His mouth and taught them.

Matthew 5:1

The Sermon on the Mount, or Preaching Window, portrays Our Lord preaching the Sermon on the Mount. The contemporary scene shows a priest of the church in the pulpit, indicating that the message of Jesus is still being proclaimed today.

In this window, an oil lamp signifies preparation, and the Scriptures, open to the Beatitudes, are a sign of preaching.

Given in memory of William and Blanche Richart and Edwin and Esther Rowe by Mr. and Mrs. William R. Rowe

The man was made whole.

John 5:1-9

The Healing Window depicts our Lord performing a miracle of healing at the Sheep Pool in Jerusalem. The contemporary scene shows the clergy, doctors and nurses, in the ministry of healing.

The window displays medical symbols: the mortar and pestle, and the caduceus.

Given in memory of Heather Marie Atkinson by Pamela Manners and Walter Atkinson

Her sins, which were many, are forgiven; for she lived much.

John 7:47

The Mary Magdalene Window, or The Forgiveness Window, shows our Lord forgiving Mary Magdalene. In the contemporary scene, the Sacrament of Penance is illustrated.

The symbols in this window are a heart with a flame, signifying religious fervor, and a balance representing God’s judgment.

Given in memory of Elizabeth and William Scaff and Vera and Edward Byford by Mr. and Mrs. Harold R. Scaff Sr.

Mary heard his word, but Martha was cumbered about much serving.

Luke 10: 39, 40

The Mary and Martha Window depicts Mary and Martha entertaining Our Lord. The contemporary scene shows the women of St. Mark’s in a Lenten work and study program.

This window’s symbols, the beehive and the milking stool, stand for care of the home.

Given in memory of Elizabeth McCombs by her husband, Nelson McCombs

He that eats of this bread shall live forever.

John 6:58

The Feeding of the Five Thousand, or Holy Communion Window, shows our Lord using the boy’s gift to feed the 5,000. Following this miracle, our Lord used this opportunity to teach us about the meaning of Holy Communion. In the contemporary scene, a celebration of Holy Communion is shown.

Symbols of plenty, a cornucopia and wheat, are shown in this window.

Given in memory of Vicki Leigh Welch by her family and friends

And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.

John 17:10

The Prayer Book Window portrays our Lord offering His High Priestly Prayer. The contemporary scene shows the religious orders of men and women who particularly carry on this work of prayer in the church.

This window’s symbols, the stole and the chasuble, signify commitment to ministry.

Given in memory of Heather Marie Atkinson by Pamela Manners and Walter Atkinson.

And, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to me.

John 12:32

The Crucifixion of Our Blessed Lord tells the Good Friday story. The contemporary scene shows our Lord reigning in glory after His Ascension, showing that, by His Passion and death, He drew all humankind to Himself.

The symbols of crucifixion, the crown of thorns and three nails, are shown in this window.

Given in memory of Heather Marie Atkinson by Pamela Manners and Walter Atkinson.

I am the resurrection and the lifel he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.

John 11:25

The Resurrection Window portrays the Resurrection of Our Lord. In the contemporary scene, a Christian burial service indicates our belief in the resurrection of the dead.

This window displays a triumphal banner and a sheaf of wheat, signifying life in death.

Given in memory of Heather Marie Atkinson by Pamela Manners and Walter Atkinson.

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

Matthew 28:19

The Ascension or Mission Window shows the Ascension of Our Lord. The contemporary scene shows Bishop Longid of the Diocese of the Northern Philippines at a mission church that was started with gifts from our parish and named after St. Mark’s.

The crown and orb shown in the window are symbols of the authority vested in bishops.

Given in memory of Heather Marie Atkinson by Pamela Manners and Walter Atkinson.

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost.

Acts 11:4

The Pentecost or Confirmation Window depicts the gift of the Holy Spirit descending upon the apostles and the early church at the feast of Pentecost. The contemporary scene shows the service of confirmation, at which time the gift of the Holy Spirit is given to members of the church.

In this window, the dove and tongues of flame, symbols of Pentecost, are depicted.

Given in memory of Heather Marie Atkinson by Pamela Manners and Walter Atkinson.

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