West Window of Sanctuary, David Driskell, Artist 1990

The emerging Christ figure in this window is familar to parishioners since she graces the Church logo and appears on the cover of the order of service each Sunday. Finely crafted faceted glass blend in almost patriotic, yet thematic colors in a tribute to African American woman. She seems to walk on the water with a cross and trumpet in one hand and the Tree of Life in the other. She symbolizes the Christ. She stands firmly, shoeless and unbowed, almost level with the Eye of God symbol between a sailing ship and a nuclear family group in the rays of the rising sun. The center circular panel seems to magnify her midriff enclosing a manger scene and a dancing figure by the water. A chain trails down the center of and links to a scroll shouting “Free at Last!”

This window celebrates the life, contribution, hope, the redemptive suffering and glory of African American women in the family, church and nation. Without sandals, she is firmly erect above the waters and stands on the holy ground amidst an array of strong religious symbols. Moving from the left on the lower half of the window are two fish (salvation comes from triune God), three candles (The Trinity, the Word providing light to her feet), her sandals left behind to enter on holy ground as Moses before the burning bush, rose (new Life), three wheels (trinity), and bread, chalice, grapes (priestly functions combined with ruler ship, the fruit of the earth, the staff of life). On the upper half she is between the Alpha and Omega (first and last letters of the Greek alphabet signifying Jesus as beginning and the end of all things). She carries in one hand the Cross of Glory and holds on to a trumpet (call to worship or judgment) and in the other she clings to a tree of life with a dove of peace and another dove with an olive branch (peace, forgiveness, and opportunity for new life). The tree also has three apples and a family at its roots (hope for future). In the center circle, her midriff contains symbols of the birth of Jesus and to the left of the chain, she dances celebrating life and life to come. The Amistad here the “Ship of Zion” represents freedom, education, and direction rooted in the Church’s mission.

A glorious window indeed and a stunning tribute to Black women everywhere who are bond holding together our roots and traditions, while preserving and sustaining the Church. They also are the life giving and sustaining force, doing God’s work, giving birth to the Creator’s children, educating the young, and setting the tune and rhythm of life to be.

East and West Windows were fabricated by Lynchburg Stain Glass Company, Lynchburg, Virginia.

For more information about the artist, Dr. David A. Driskell (click here).