St. Francis of Assisi Church in Jefferson has produced a book featuring descriptions on all 34 of their newly installed stained glass windows at the parish. (Photo provided by Rick LaBont)JEFFERSON — Stained glass windows grace the most majestic basilicas and cathedrals, as well as the humblest of chapels around the globe. They have the ability of transporting one’s mind to another place and time with just a glance in their direction.
The 34 stained glass windows at St. Francis of Assisi Church take parishioners and those who gaze upon them through key moments in the Bible, as well as recall the life of their patron saint who founded the Order of the Friars Minor (Franciscans) in the 12th century.
The story the windows tell has now been preserved in a book which details each depiction in each window in the church and bell tower.
Father James Stuhrenberg, pastor, and a select committee determined which Biblical scenes would be depicted on the church’s new stained glass windows.
There are seven Old Testament windows, 18 New Testament windows, and nine other windows including scenes depicting angels and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and the seven virtues, as well as a window depicting St. Michael the Archangel, Our Lady of Guadalupe and scenes from the life of St. Francis of Assisi.
Father Stuhrenberg and the committee worked with Statesville Stained Glass Inc. and artist Les Wicker over five years to create the windows.
“In 50 years I won’t be here but the stained glass will,” joked Father Stuhrenberg. “I have always loved stained glass. It helps the church look holy and helps children have something to look at. It also has another purpose: to teach.”
“The windows are such a huge part of our church, both the story of the window and the wonderful colors,” said committee member Rick Labonte. “There are things in the windows that I was not aware of until they were pointed out… I felt strongly that documentation was needed so parish members would be able to read the stories behind the windows and why the scenes were chosen.”
Vickie Herman assisted her pastor by serving on the committee and assisting him with writing and editing the commentary for the book.
“Father James put a lot of thought and planning into each stained glass window (that was created). It was fascinating to me to hear him talk about how he directed the artist to put certain things a certain way in the windows,” Herman said.
Documenting the selection and description of the windows was important to her. “I think the stained glass windows in our church create a sacred and holy atmosphere. Our goal in writing this book was to leave a written account to help inspire and educate future generations about these magnificent pieces of art.”
Bob Gallagher, retired CEO of Good Will Publishers in Gastonia, helped sponsor the publishing project.
“I wanted to be involved in this project because St. Francis of Assisi Parish holds a special place for my family due to my dear mother’s deep-run roots in Ashe County,” Gallagher said. “My wife Jackie and I now reside part-time in these beautiful mountains. We are fortunate to have found a spiritual home in St. Francis Parish.”
Gallagher says that as a building, St. Francis Church is most inspiring “because it’s a church that looks like a Catholic church. The beautiful windows remind us of the great events in Salvation History and lead our hearts and minds to the central point: the tabernacle – where Jesus Himself is honored and adored.”
“And the very same Mass that is offered daily in the great cathedrals throughout the world is also offered in this beautiful little church in the mountains of North Carolina,” he noted.
The 34 stained glass windows were funded by more than $178,000 in donations from parishioners.
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter
Come and see
Interested in seeing the windows? St. Francis of Assisi Church is located at 167 St. Francis Place in Jefferson. The parish plans to print more books and offer a version in Spanish in the future. Questions? Contact the parish at 336-246-9151.