History | Stained-Glass

Explanation of the Stained Glass Windows

Taken from the Dedication of the Building Booklet
September 14, 1969

As you enter the sanctuary your attention is drawn to the art glass in the north and south gables. These windows were drawn and completely executed by August Molder, artist in residence of Augsburg College, Minneapolis. Mr. Molder is a refugee from Estonia and has a bachelors and masters degree from the University of Tartu in Estonia. The theme, “Come Follow Me,” predominates the north window, and “Go, Serve” the south. However, you may note an interwoven portrayal of the entire thought in each of the gables. The artist encourages you to interpret this artwork as it has most meaning to you. If your initial response is purely reaction to the beautiful colors, this too is symbolic, for the joyous, vibrant colors are an invitation to non-Christian as well as those already a part of the church, to the young, and also other ages. It further intensifies the Worship committee’s desire that everything about the sanctuary expresses an invitation to come, to hear, to know the Gospel is the “Good News” of Jesus Christ.

The north window (on your right as you stand facing the pulpit) reads from right to left as we see the fishermen being called from their nets by Christ to become “Fishers for people” (Matt. 4:19) Matthew the tax collector sits before Christ and is called as one of the 12 disciples. (Matt. 9:9). The living water flows before this group who follow. “Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give will never thirst. The water that I shall give will become a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14) “Ho everyone who thirsts, COME...” (Isaiah 55:1)

Note the ship in the center extending across several panels. This long time symbol is the people of God (the Church) as they sail the seas of life. Christ taught from a boat in the Sea of Galilee, was with his disciples whom you also see in this boat...or perhaps you are there, received, taught, guided.

The bold royal colors in front of the ship contain the first two Greek letters in “Christ.”

The lighthouse at the left symbolizes Christ showing the way, guiding with His Light. “I am the Light of the world; whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) “The true light which lights everyone who comes into the world.” (John 1:9) The hands above and below the lighthouse are beckoning, receiving, leading all who would “Come.”

Across the lower portion of the window are many fish. Early Christians, particularly those during the time of persecution, used this as a sign of their faith in Christ. The Greek word for fish, “Ichthus,” was used as an acrostic for Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour.

The doves hover overhead. We are reminded of Our Lord’s Baptism. The Holy Spirit goes out with power and peace.

At the apex of the window curved lines with joyful colors remind us of the high reward of eternal life given those who would  “Come, Follow Me.” God has put the passion for eternity in human hearts and then given to them a thirst which only eternity can satisfy. “I am the resurrection and the life, those who believe in me, though they die, yet shall they live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die...” (John 11:25) “I have said this to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).

Turning to the