St. Mary's Aglow with Stained Glass

This detail of Christ from one of the nave panels shows the fine detail, quality work and vivid colors that are a hallmark of the stained glass windows in St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Provo. (Journal photo by Doc Taylor)

By W. NELSON ABBOTT

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Provo has the most beautiful stained glass windows in Utah County. On each side of the nave – where the congregation sits – there are six separate panes based on biblical subjects. Three are Old Testament events: The Selling of Joseph into slavery, The Faith of Abraham (showing him preparing to sacrifice his son), and the Finding of Moses. The other nave panels depict New Testament scenes: Stilling the Tempest, Healing the Leper, Changing Water to Wine, The Good Shepherd, The Prodigal Son, The Good Samaritan, Lazarus and Dives, the Pharasee and the Publican, and finally the Sower.

Reverend John Howes was the Rector of the church from 1937 to 1949, and it was during this period that these windows were installed. It is said that Father Howes ordered the windows for one side of the Nave without much planning by the congregation, but as soon as he got the money pledged to pay for them, he ordered the ones for the other side.

It is believed that these windows were made in France and that when the last two were received, they needed repair. This is verified by the fact that the two windows on the east side have a small glass insert at the bottom which says “A. Michaud, Chicago.”

There is no record of how much the windows cost, but an expert has estimated that they are probably worth as much as the rest of the building.

In addition to these side windows, which were installed about sixty years ago, there are several smaller ones given to St. Mary’s in memory of loved ones. In 1963, four more contemporary windows were installed at the back of the nave, depicting The Annunciation, the Nativity, The Presentation, and The Crucifixion. Toward the front of the church, in the choir, three smaller windows add their beautiful colored light to the chapel. Two of them show heavenly choirs and the third depicts an Easter lily, which is often used as a symbol of Christ’s Resurrection. At the very front on each side of the altar one window depicts Mary holding Jesus and another depicts Saint John.

The most recent two windows are the one in the hallway leading to the church, and the other in the door to the church from the hallway. One was given in memory of Bob and Anne Peper and the other in memory of Elly Weissert – the beloved wife of Father Dick Weissert.

Visitors are more than welcome to come and see the beautiful stained glass windows. One of the ways to do this is to attend one of the worship services. If that is not convenient, the church office is open from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Monday through Friday. Come to the northwest entrance of St. Mary’s and the secretary will be glad to assist you. If you have questions or want an appointment please phone 373-3090.

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