First Lutheran Artwork
Among the brightest jewels of the church are its windows. The four Evangelists—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John-- are the subjects of the east Chapel windows. In the west aisle, the first window portrays the Holy Ghost and St. Bartholomew. The second window symbolizes the Ten Commandments and St. Andrew. The third window depicts the Chalice (Christ’s Suffering) and the symbol of St. Thomas. In the west anteroom, the far south window shows Christ Blessing the Little Children. All of these windows illuminated the old church building.
The upper windows were created for the new addition. They symbols on the east side represent parables. Reading from south to north they are: (1) Wheat and Tares, (2) Laborers in the Vineyard, (3) The Ten Talents, (4) Sheep and the Goats, (5) Lost Coin, (6) Good Samaritan, (7) The Lost Sheep, (8) The Prodigal Son, (9) Pharisee and the Publican, (10) The House on the Rock, (11) The Sower, and (12) the Fig Tree.
The symbols in the clerestory windows on the west side represent miracles. Reading from south to north they are: (1) Draught of Fishes, (2) Feeding the Five Thousand, (3) Wedding at Cana, (4) Raising of Lazarus, (5) Stilling the Tempest and (6) Healing the Leper.
The symbols in the clerestory windows on the west side represent miracles. Reading from south to north they are: (1) Draught of Fishes, (2) Feeding the Five Thousand, (3) Wedding at Cana, (4) Raising of Lazarus, (5) Stilling the Tempest and (6) Healing the Leper.
The nineteen panels of the main chancel window are devoted to the life of Christ. Starting the bottom of the left column and proceeding to the top it depicts the Annunciation, the Nativity, Presentation in the Temple, the Boy Christ and the Teachers, Baptism, Temptation and the Sermon on the Mount. Continuing to the lower right hand column and proceeding up are Christ’s Charge to Peter, Entry into Jerusalem, Gethsemane, Betrayal, Christ and the Pharisees, Christ before Pilate and the Denial. The middle column shows Christ Bearing His Cross, Crucifixion, Resurrection, Ascension and Christ Enthroned.
In the Rose Window in the organ loft, the 12 outer circles represent the 12 disciples. The 12 spokes of the wheel depict the 12 tribes of Israel. The center is the Lamb of God, Symbol of Christ.
Truly the creation of windows such as these is a fine art exhibiting man’s talents at their best. The stained glass windows create a worshipful atmosphere.
In the Rose Window in the organ loft, the 12 outer circles represent the 12 disciples. The 12 spokes of the wheel depict the 12 tribes of Israel. The center is the Lamb of God, Symbol of Christ.
Truly the creation of windows such as these is a fine art exhibiting man’s talents at their best. The stained glass windows create a worshipful atmosphere.
The focal point of the church is the Botticino marble altar, carved in Vico Dolfi Studios in Carrara, Italy. The entire front is a high relief carving of Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper.” The Guardian Angles at the corners of the altar are carved of white Italian marble. The base is of Belgian black marble. The altar was shipped from Italy via the St. Laurence Seaway and the Great Lakes to Calumet Harbor.
First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Blue Island's building has been part of the Blue Island Historical Society House Walk. For those who wish to see the building or desire to learn more about the symbolism
in the stained glass, please contact the office. All are welcome to explore the building!
First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Blue Island's building has been part of the Blue Island Historical Society House Walk. For those who wish to see the building or desire to learn more about the symbolism
in the stained glass, please contact the office. All are welcome to explore the building!