| Stained Glass windows at Christ Church |
| History of the Stained Glass |
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| The Sanctuary Chancel Windows | [click] |
| Windows in the Abulatory |
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| Windows in the South Transept |
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| Windows in the Cloister Aisle |
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| Windows in the Narthex |
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| The West windows |
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| All Saints Chapel |
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| Windows in the North Aisle | [click] |
| Windows in the North Transept | [click] |
The stained glass windows of Christ Church provide a collection of fine art that is unparalleled in the Hudson Valley. When the parish made the decision to construct a new church complex within the bounds of the Old English Burial Ground in Poughkeepsie, they contracted with an architect who was not only a significant presence in the American architecture scene, but who also had a personal connection with the parish.
William A. Potter had established his reputation while serving as the Supervising Architect of the U.S. Treasury Department. Several of the buildings he designed for the government are still in use. Even more so, Potter established a lasting reputation by his work on the campus of Princeton University. He was the son of Alonzo Potter, who was a ‘child of the parish’ and later Bishop of Pennsylvania. William’s brother Henry served as Bishop of New York.
Potter designed a single scheme for the stained glass windows, which was carried out in large part in less than two decades following the construction of the church. Reynolds comments, in her Records of Christ Church, 1755-1910, that all but two of the windows were designed and fabricated by Clayton and Bell of London, with installation undertaken by Maitland Armstrong and Company, of New York. Click [here] to learn more about Clayton and Bell one of the most prolific and proficient workshops of English stained glass during the latter half of the 19th century
It is noted that the ‘Jeweled Cross’ was not a part of the Potter design for the church. It was both designed and installed at the peak of the West End of the parish by Maitland Armstrong.
Several of the other windows bear inscriptions memorializing individuals who died decades after the completion of the church. With several exceptions (see below) it is unknown which of the later windows might have been executed according to the original plans of Clayton and Bell, and which might have been designed by other firms.
As the narrative of the window collection begins attention might be given to the date of the installation of each window. The construction of the new church was completed in 1888, which is the date provided by Reynolds of many of the installations. Other windows are indicated to have been installed in following years. What type of window treatment was installed in 1888 for those windows which did not receive their stained glass until a later date? We don’t have any information about that at this time. In only one instance – the clerestory windows in the roof – is any mention made.
Terms Of The Liturgical Arts And Architecture Used Throughout
Clerestory (pronounced ‘clear story’) are a series of windows at the roof line, that are intended to provide ventilation and indirect natural light. Evidence of their use for such purposes is first seen in the temples of ancient Egypt.
Another term of specific windows used throughout is that of ‘lancet window’. Lancet windows are narrow (frequently quite tall) with a pointed arch at the top.
Reynolds also frequently used the term ‘light’ when referring to windows. Thus a window on a eastern facing wall would be referred to as an ‘east light’.
The sanctuary in an Episcopal church is that area ‘behind the altar rail’. In many Protestant churches, the term sanctuary will be used to describe the entire worship space. In our tradition, the area where the People set is called the Nave (taken from several sources: that the church is a ship in which the children of God transverse this life, i.e., Noah’s ark; that the ceiling of many churches give the impression of ship construction – as is the case in Christ Church.
The large empty area that connects the North and South Transepts, in front of the pulpit and lectern, is termed the Crossing. The area between the Crossing and the Sanctuary is called the Chancel. In many liturgical churches, the Choir would be placed in the Chancel. Such was the case in the original design of Christ Church.
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The Sanctuary Chancel Windows installed in 1888. Majesty – Christ on his throne, surrounded by seven angels; Three Gothic lancet windows Christ the Good Shepherd, between St. James and St. John.
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Single Window in the Chancel
The Magnificat, installed in 1890
Inscription: My Soul Doth Magnify the Lord and My Spirit Hath Rejoiced in God my Savior
The Magnificat, “My soul doth magnify the Lord,” comes from Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth after she learned she was to be the mother of Jesus and while Elizabeth was also bearing John the Baptist. (Luke 1:46)
Given by the King’s Daughters
The Ambulatory is the side aisle that provides an exit from the Nave into the hallway that leads to the Rector’s Office and Newton Community Room.
On the south wall are seven windows. Four are small lancets that provide representations of the four Archangels: St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael and St. Uriel.
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Above, are three quatre-foils, representing the three angels, unnamed in Christian Art, bearing insignia of the Trinity: Pater, Filius, S. Spt. (Spiritus Sanctus).
These seven windows, noted as representing the seven angels who stand in the presence of God, were all installed in 1888 are noted as being given by “the Sunday School, assisted by Mrs. Albert Tower.”
Over ambulatory door, installed 1897, is the small window which is perhaps the favorite of the present generation of members at Christ Church. It was given by William B. Carpenter. The image is that of the head of an angle, after the style of the artist Raphael.
Inscription: In Loving Memory of Virginia Carpenter April 20, 1878 November 16,1882
A rose window of the Madonna and Child (shown to the right); and three Gothic lancets portraying a Jesse Tree, the ancestral line of Christ installed in 1889
Inscription: To the Glory of God and in Memory of Adolphus Hamilton.
Given by Mrs. Adolphus Hamilton
The Jesse Tree is a traditional feature of Christian art. It portrays Jesse, the father of David, in slumber. In a detail to the left, rising from tree of Jesse are various of the Kings of Israel and Judah. King David with his harp is seen, as well as Solomon, shown holding a representation of the Temple.
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In a detail of the window of the right begins in the lower right hand corner with an image of the Prophet Isaiah (not a part of the genealogy of Jesus) in whose writings many Christians have read a foretelling of the coming of Jesus. He holds a scroll which reads: There shall come a rod out of the stem of Jesse.
A detail of the window on the left begins with an image of the Prophet Balaam (also not a part of the genealogy of Jesus) holding a scroll with the inscription: There shall come a star out of the east.
The Creation
Inscription: So God created man in his own image
In memory of Mary Van Benshoten Carpenter
Born April 26, 1846 Died May 6, 1933
The scriptural reference in the inscription is from Genesis 1:27, the ‘first creation account. However, the image depicted in the window is taken from the ‘second creation’ account. It is that version of the Creation that the Lord God caused Adam to fall asleep, and taking one or his ribs, created woman.
We have found no record of who gave this window. Due to the late date of the death of Mrs. Carpenter, and the unique, almost art deco design of the window, it is presumed that it was not designed by Clayton and Bell.
Mrs. Carpenter survived her husband, William b. Carpenter, by almost 30 years, in whose memory she contributed another window in the North Transept.
The Carpenter family was very generous in their gifts to the parish, utilized to adorn the parish with art in stained glass. Their daughter Virginia, who died at age four, is remembered in the window above the Ambulatory door (see: Windows in the Ambulatory).
Abrahams Near Sacrifice of Isaac placed in 1908
Inscription: My Son, God will provide Himself a Lamb
As told in scripture in Genesis, Chapter 22
In Loving Memory of Charles Henry Buckingham
September 13th, 1842 May 12th, 1904
Given by Mrs. Charles H. Buckingham
The Brazen Serpent, raised in the Wilderness during the Exodus
installed in 1903
Inscription: Moses Made a Serpent of Brass and Put It upon a Pole
William B. Carpenter November 26, 1893 February 7, 1902
A detail of the window is shown here, as told in scripture in the Book of Numbers, Chapter 21:1-9
Given by Mrs. William B. Carpenter
The Translation of Elijah
Installed in 1897
Given by the Sunday School and its friends.
Inscription: I Pray Thee let a double portion of Thy Spirit be upon Me. To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of Robert Van Kleeck. July 19, 1841. September 23, 1893.
As told in scripture at 2nd Kings, chapter 2. One of the most dramatic of the Christ Church windows, in a detail of the window, Elisha is shown in his chariot of fire, drawn by horses of fire, going into heaven. Elisha kneels in the foreground, having received the mantle of Elijah, which was his request.
Four windows, installed in 1888; given by the Sunday School, assisted by Mrs. Albert Tower. Subjects, the Latin Fathers of the Church, -- St. Gregory, St. Augustine, St. Jerome and St. Ambrose.
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St. Ambrose, who was Bishop of Milan in the 4th century, is shown with a boy holding a large book. St. Jerome, also with a book and a lion, who translated the whole Bible from various sources into the Latin Vulgate. |
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St. Augustine of Hippo in North Africa, who was a bishop in the fourth and fifth centuries. St. Gregory, Pope in the fifth century, shown with book and quill and an ox at his feet. |
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Four small lancets windows representing the Four Evangelists.
The windows in the east wall, of St. Matthew and St. Mark, were installed in 1888; given by the Sunday School, assisted by Mrs. Albert Tower.
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The windows in the west wall, of St. Luke and St. John, are dedicatedin memory of Joseph Tuckerman Tower, Jr. (inscribed with his dates: June 21, 1897 & August 23, 1931) and Mary Thorne Tower (inscribed with her dates: December 19, 2892 & May 7, 1927). |
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Joseph Tower, Jr. was the son of Joseph Tower, Sr. – who was the second son of Albert Tower, Sr. Mary Thorne Tower was a daughter of Albert Tower, Sr., sister of Joseph Tuckerman Tower, Sr., and Albert Edward Tower, Jr.
The West Windows installed in 1888.
Consists of three Gothic lancet windows, with a series of images from the life of Christ.
The center window of the triptych displays three scenes:
In the bottom window panel Jesus is praying in the Garden of Gethsemane with his exhausted friends all asleep, with the inscription: O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me.
Note that an angel hovers near Jesus, holding a cup
Just above that Jesus is shown laboring to Golgatha with his cross, with the inscription
He bearing his cross went forth unto the place of the skull.
At the top of the center window is a reproduction of the scene of Jesus on the cross, with the inscription Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
The left side of the triptych displays two scenes from the life of Christ.
The lower scene is of the Annunciation, when the angel Gabriel tells Mary that she has been chosen by God to bear the child, Jesus. The inscription: Fear not Mary for thou hast found favor with God.
A detail is shown here
The top scene in the left triptych is of the Nativity, with the inscription: She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger. A detail of the window is shown here.
The right side of the triptych displays two scenes.
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The bottom panel shows the Resurrection, showing the guards placed to guard the tomb reacting in either fear or amazement, with the inscription: O death where is they sting, O grave where is thy victory. The upper panel represents the Ascension, with the inscription: He was taken up and a cloud received him out of their sight. |
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The West Windows were given by Albert Edward Tower, Sr.
Windows in All Saints Chapel – originally The Baptistery
Each of the windows represents a character from the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures, who are associated with a ‘type of baptism’:
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Noah Type of Baptism - the Ark Aaron - holding his staff that bloomed Type of Baptism the Cloudy Pillar |
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Moses - holding the Ten Commandments Type of Baptism – the Red Sea St. Peter – holding the keys to the kingdom the baptism of Cornelius |
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St. Philip – holding a shell used to baptize the Baptism of the Ethiopian Eunuch |
Additional windows show St. John the Baptist – the Baptism Of Christ; St. Paul – the Baptism of the Jailer.
The windows are installed in 1897, by James W. Hinkley. A brass plate bears the inscription: InLoving Memory of Mary A. Hinkley February 14, 1831-- March 18, 1896
Christ and the Children
installed in 1888 Inscription: Of such is the Kingdom of Heaven In Memory of John Reade Stuyvesant Born June 10, 1798 Died December 8, 1853. As told in scripture at Luke 18:15-17.
Given by Mrs. John Reade Stuyvesant and her children: Mrs. Robert Sanford (Helen M. Hooker Stuyvesant); Mrs. Francis Butler (Katherine Livingston Stuyvesant ); John Reade Stuyvesant 2d; and Miss Anna Elizabeth Stuyvesant.
The Sermon on the Mount installed in 1888
Inscription: Blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it
In Memory of Edward Rollinson
Born July 6, 1860 Died February 20, 1888
As told in scripture in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 5-7.
Edward Innis Rollinson was a communicant of the Episcopal Church; he died of yellow fever at Georgetown, British Guiana, South America, and his body could not be brought home for burial. The window was given by his mother, Mrs. Joseph Rollinson, and his sisters: Mrs. Henry Barroll, Mrs. Henry Booth, Mrs. Louis Sweeny and Mrs. Morris Poucher.
The Nune Dimittis installed in 1908
Inscription: Lord, Now Lettest Thou Thy Servant Depart in Peace
To the Glory of God and in Memory of Philipina Fields Carpenter by her daughter Amy Carpenter Mitchell and the Rev. Walter Mitchell
The Nunc Dimittis is a feature of the service of Evening Prayer. As told in the second chapter of Luke, when Mary and Joseph took the infant Jesus to the temple, they met there an old man named Simeon, who had been promised that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. He recognized the infant Christ and took him in his arms, saying, “Lord, now lettest thy servant depart in peace.” The other woman is the elderly Anna, a widow who spent her days in the temple and who told the people of Jerusalem what she had witnessed.
The Te Deum, installed in 1890 - a rose window and three lancets
Inscription: When Thou Hadst Overcome the Sharpness Death Thou Didst Open the Kingdom of Heaven to All Believers
In Memoriam 1890 George M. Van Kleeck and Edgar M. Van Kleeck. Given by Mrs. George M. Van Kleeck and Mrs. Edgar M. Van Kleeck.
These subjects in these windows are a matter of some confusion. It appears that the figures in the right hand panel represent chacnters from the Hewbrew scriptures. Moses can be identified by the tables he holds in his hand. David is shown holding a harp. The other subjects are not so simply recognizable.
The middle panel apparently represents figures from the post-apostolic era. St. George is shown, standing on the dragon that legend tells us he slew. Although dressed as a medieval knight, the George of the legend was actually a character in the Middle East from the 4th or 5th Century. The other subjects are perhaps ‘church fathers’ from the medieval or English Church.
The window on the left side represents various of the Disciples of Jesus, each holding an emblem which is commonly associated with each. Peter is shown holding a ???. It is perhaps St. Stephen, usually referred to as a Deacon and the first recorded Christian martyr, who is shown in the lower left hand corner, holding an image of a church building.
The Benedictus 
Inscription: Bless be the God of Israel
In loving memory of John Calhoun Otis 1847-1925 and Katharine Haviland Otis 1848-1927
As told in the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke, Zachariah, the father of John, who had been told in a vision that the name of his son would be John. The Benedictus in Morning Prayer is his song of thanksgiving, A detail of the window is shown here.
The Benedicite, placed in 1901 
Inscription: O Ananias, Azarias, & Misael, Bless ye The Lord.
To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of Benjamin Rowe Tenney March 28, 1882 December 13, 1898
This window is of American glass; designed and made be Maitland Armstrong and Company of New York.
Given by Mrs. Benjamin R. Tenney
The story of this window behind the organ shows Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (the names by which these three young men were known in Nebachundessah’s court), who were thrown into the fiery furnace by King Nebachudnezzah because they would not worship his golden idol. Although the fire was so hot it burned to death the soldiers who threw them in, the three were visited by an angel of the Lord and were unharmed. The Benedicite, “Bless ye the Lord,” was their song, and on seeing them safe, Nebachudnezzah admitted their God was greater than his. See Daniel, Chapter 3.
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