Our Lady of Grace Church, Beverly Hills FL
These 11 windows were created in 2024-2025 in my Tarpon Springs studio, Smiloart where I crafted the original designs. They were approved by Father Erwin, the church leadership and Bishop Parkes of St. Petersburg. The refining and finalizing of the designs, glass and color selection, leading, soldering and puttying were done in collaboration with Abby Knauff, a valued member of the Smiloart creative team. Mike Wilfer of Dovetail Design expertly crafted the mahogany frames for the project which were custom fit for each window. Glass from the original windows created by Brother Paul in the 70’s that were removed during the church remodeling was re-purposed somewhere in each of these windows. The symbol of the fish known as the Ichthys, an ancient symbol that stands for Jesus Christ, can be found in many of the 11 windows. Some have several and we were surprised to see how often they emerged as part of the designs.
“The Annunciation”
Mary is visited by Archangel Gabriel who tells her she will be
the mother of the Christ. She is receptive and humble in her
demeanor. This window is infused with many different glasses in shades of blue to indicate Mother Mary as it is her signature color. A golden ray from the angel goes right into the heart of Mary. She understands somehow that she is in the midst of a holy cosmic event.
“Joseph visited by Angel Gabriel in a dream”
Joseph had his own annunciation experience when he too,
dreamed of the birth of Jesus. He is shown here next to Mary,
their arms around each other – their embrace creating a heart
design. Their love uniting them to fully accept their unique
mission of what was to be a holy parenthood.
“The Nativity”
This window gives the feeling of quiet and stillness on Holy
Night. The leaves in the panel represent new growth and new
life with the birth of Jesus. Notice the hand bevel of the star
and the small jewels in the halo of the baby Jesus which evokes
the sense of divine presence.
“The Wedding at Cana”
This window depicts the first miracle Jesus performs when he
turned water into wine at a wedding feast. Notice the ripple glass depicting the water. The spiraling circles in the panel indicate that something divine is about to transpire as the rays from above stream down. The red streaky glass of the wine is a mouth-blown German glass called Fischer Incredible Streaky.
“The Pieta”
A moving tribute to the grieving Mary as she tenderly holds her
son after the crucifixion. Her head is bowed in sorrow. But there is something else happening here. It can be seen in the energy and color of the halos in the panel and the swirling energy at the base in teal
and blue which indicate that transformation is at hand. The
promise of a miracle exists within the very stillness of this tragic scene. This frame also has light and color in it creating another halo around the figures.
“Mother of God”
We re-imagined this window with a similar color palette to the original including shades of magenta and purple. In the bottom left of this panel is a modified “triquetra” symbolizing the holy trinity. Notice within one of the ichthys is a swirl in the glass which mirrors that shape. We love subtle details and there are
many within this project.
These two panels were originally configured slightly differently
and created by Brother Paul. His original transom remains
above. We repurposed much of his glass in these panels.
“Giver of Life”
The window to the right of the door
was named “Giver of Life” by Brother Paul. We continued this
theme with images of green leaves and swirling life energy. The
rays are continued from the transom and contain many of the
oranges and yellows from the original panel.
“The Good Shepherd”
The fountain of three shades of blue flow down from their source – the Good Shepherd. The waves flow through the three panels washing the people clean with these waters of life. These heads are re-purposed from Brother Paul’s panel which was on this very wall. With their many shades and textures, we are reminded that “This is a church for all people” to quote Father Erwin. There are reminders of the
23rd Psalm with the healing lavender ‘still waters” and green
pastures in the hill-shaped green robes of the people. The classic shepherd’s staffs remind us that we are well cared for and protected by our faith in God and the love of our Good Shepherd, Jesus.
“The Bread of Life”
The celebration of the Eucharist is central to this joyous panel. The Eucharist is an act of community shown by all the figures in this piece. It affirms the belief in the power of transformation both literally and symbolically. This connection is the evolution of love into community. The deep understanding of this panel is that our experience of Holy Communion is our personal connection to the Bread of Life. The figures are exuberant and that energy is felt with the sacred experience that is Holy Communion. Once again, the representation of a divine source
in the circular pattern of the top section which emanates light
and blessing from the realm of the creator to the children of
earth.
“Icthys Vine” (Top)
“Tree of Life” (Bottom)
Small panels on the Resurrection wall in the priest’s vesting area and the handicap restroom. These continue the theme of new life and growth with leaf motifs which began in The Nativity window. The handicap bathroom has purple
ichthys as well a large ichthys shape in blue and white.
Take a look into our design process and see behind the scenes pictures including initial sketches, work in progress shots, and installation day pictures
The Second Great Commandment
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” “All the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments”
Matthew 22:39,40
The Eternal Circle represents God, and one notices this circular, divine theme throughout all windows; it’s
nurturing, embracing, and welcoming Jesus is in the center beckoning his two listeners – and all of us – to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
The First Great Commandment
“You shall love the Lord, your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind”
Matthew 22:37
Again, Jesus is in the center, calling on the now three disciples to love their neighbor as themselves. Notice how the vibrant shades of blue reflecting the sky match the blue carpet and pews of the Sanctuary. The vertical lines lift our gaze heavenward. The gold colors parallel the beautiful oak wood within the Sanctuary as well. At the time these windows were created, the choir robes were burgundy, hence the burgundy accents.
All of the fourteen windows across the back are connected by a cord or thread that runs like a river through them, conveying the ever flowing stream of God’s grace, love and holiness. The Bible begins and ends with the image of a river: Genesis 2:10 – “And a river runs through the Garden,” and in Revelation 22:1-2 – “Then the Angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city.”
Advent
Three roses might seem out place for Advent, until one remembers the scripture reference in Isaiah 35:1 which, like Advent, expresses the hope and promise of a future Messiah: “The wilderness and dry land will be glad the desert will rejoice and blossom like a rose.” It is from this passage that we have the beautiful Christmas carol: “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming.” The brown glass conveys the image of the desert in which the Wild Rose blooms. Note the four Advent Candles are of differing heights, noting the progression of the season of Advent.
Nativity
Notice the nurturing circles, also a symbol of the encircling presence and protection of God. The star is hand beveled with optical glass that changes colors from different perspectives. The golden rays from the star draw our attention to the central figure of the Christ Child, born to be our Savior, Lord and Friend, with the gray on clear glass representing the night sky Over Bethlehem. The brown hues at the bottom remind us of the earth, and the depth of God’s incarnation, becoming fully We Emmanuel, “God with us” here on earth in order that one day we might be one with God in heaven above. Note, too, the accompanying constellation of stars in the far right panel-7 in number, the perfect Biblical number.
Epiphany/ Three Wise Men
Matthew 2:1-12 tells the story of Epiphany which means “Manifestation” of Jesus to the Gentile world. The “Star of Wonder” is central, guiding the magi represented by the three circles below. The circles contain a star-like structure as if from the crowns of these three kings. Epiphany is always on January 6, 12 days after Christmas. The antecedent for Epiphany is Isaiah 49:6 where God says to Israel: “I will make you a light to the nations, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” Epiphany is the bursting forth of that Light, and this window is a constant reminder that we are called to share the light of Christ with all.
The Baptism of Jesus
This window is dominated by the magnificent image of a descending dove. We recall the story as related in all four Gospels: when Jesus was beginning his public ministry, he first went to the Jordan River to be baptized by his cousin, John the Baptist. As Jesus came up from the waters of the river, the heavens opened 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.” LUKE 3:22
Transfiguration
Matthew (17:1-13), Mark (9:2-13), and Luke (9:28-36) all relate this story of the Transfiguration of Jesus. Jesus takes Peter, James and John up on a high mountain. There he was transfigured, his clothes becoming “a dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.”
Wedding at Cana
This is the first miracle Jesus performed and the story is told in John’s Gospel, chapter 2, verses 1-11. Notice in the window beneath the water jars is flowing water, whose color changes dramatically from crystal clear to a deep burgundy, beautifully illustrating the changing of water to wine.
Palm Sunday
Οur eyes are drawn immediately to the bold, vibrant, celebratory Palm Branches, calling to mind the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on a donkey on Palm Sunday with people waving Palm branches before Him, as they cried, “Hosanna, blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” Now notice the stalk of wheat which has tiny grains of wheat falling from it. It’s a reminder that while this day was a day of celebration, it also was a day that carried the seeds of Jesus’ dying.
Maundy Thursday
While all four Gospels relate the story of the Last Supper in the Upper Room, it’s in the 13th chapter of John’s Gospel that the title of this window originates. The word, “Maundy,” comes from the Latin word, “Maundate,” which means “command.” Note the elements of The Lord’s Supper, Holy Communion: The chalice and bread. In the center of the window is the pitcher and basin for the washing of feet; the pitcher looks like it is carved out of granite, the colors are purple, turquoise, gold and violet, conveying a somber sense. Look closely and you will see a series of twelve stars, indicating the number of people with Jesus at the Last Supper.
Good Friday
Dark, simple, stark, very clear lines – the very large spike and the crosses. Note that each of the four circles has a poignant image: (1) the whips used for the flogging of Jesus, (2) three nails – two for His hands and one for His feet, (3) crown of thorns, (4) the bitter cup. The crossbar of the main cross has the Latin initials INRI which stand for “Jesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum” “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” This was the notice Pontius Pilate had inscribed on the cross on which Jesus died.
Easter
The brilliant Lily at the center captures the sense of new life! And notice how the dark glass outlines a tomb, an empty tomb. The beautiful pink glass circles each contain a butterfly, symbolizing metamorphosis from the dark tomb of the cocoon to the vibrant, new life of the resurrection.
The Ascension
Strong vertical lines lift our gaze to the heavens, even as the disciples watch as Jesus ascended into Heaven to sit at the right hand of God. The beveled glass is designed to capture and then cast forth brilliant light as it passes through.
Pentecost
The story of Pentecost is told in Acts 2:1-12. Believers in God from all over the world had gathered in Jerusalem for the feast day of Pentecost when suddenly they saw what seemed to be “tongues of fire” that rested on each of them, and the Holy Spirit filled them and they began to speak in tongues so that all the people from various parts of the world could hear Peter’s message of Jesus each in their own language. The red, flame like images amidst the swirling glass capture this reality beautifully.
Trinity Sunday
While the term, “Trinity” is never mentioned in the Bible, certainly the concept of the Trinity, Father, Son, Holy Spirit, One Substance in three forms, is present throughout the Scriptures. In this window, God is again portrayed by the large circular motion – the eternal circle. Jesus, the Son is signified by the Greek letters Chi Rho, which look like a large X and a large P, but in reality they are the first two letters of the Greek word for Messiah which is Christos and translated into English as Christ. The third person of the Trinity – the Holy Spirit – is signified by the 6 tongues of fire, an allusion to the previous window of Pentecost
The Heritage Window
This is a magnificent window filled with images that carry special meaning to the United Methodist movement and especially to Heritage United Methodist Church. In the center is the large “Cross and Flame” which is the iconic United Methodist symbol, with the flame representing the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, and the Cross representing the cruciform life that we are called to live as followers of Jesus.
All Saints
Now notice the serenity and sense of peace in this window. Two figures representing those saints who have gone before us, enfolded by the tree of life. It is important for the Church to commemorate this day for two reasons: (1) The act of remembering and honoring those saints who’ve gone before us is vital to our own spiritual life, and (2) remind of the origins of the festival behind All Saints Day, namely Halloween, which is a slight distortion of All Hallows’ Eve, which, over time as become “Halloween.”
Thanksgiving
The final window in the sanctuary is appropriately the “Thanksgiving” window. Fall color with hands folded in prayerful thanksgiving for all the blessings God has given. As the last window it is a fitting conclusion to our journey through the liturgical calendar, the Christian year.
Look at these stained glass windows up close and see the unique features such as bevels, sandblasted etchings, and richly textured antique glass.
Both still waters and raging currents are a part of life, and these times pass. There is a constancy and continuity in a daily on going and ever growing personal connection with God that can somehow raise us from the denseness of the earth to a higher and infinitely comforting realization of our Divine Connection. The swirling lines running the length of the panels represent one’s path through life. The vertical lines which intersect the swirls illustrate our constant connection with God. The vibrant colors remind us to enjoy our time here and live a life “in color.”
Look at these stained glass windows up close and see the unique features such as bevels, sandblasted etchings, and richly textured antique glass.
Heart Mandala
