Southern Folk Artist & Antiques Dealer/Collector: Tour of Christ church windows including Tiffany

Detail of the Tiffany window Jesus Meets Nathanael

This second Tiffany window was dedicated in 1936. The inscription reads: Robert Middleton, a native of Aberdeen, Scotland, Born September 22, 1839, entered into everlasting life, 15th December 1911. Late Captain of the 21st Alabama Regiment, CSA. Junior Warden April 13, 1893. Senior Warden April 4, 1894. SS Superintendent 1883. Christ Church Mobile, Alabama.

Last week we explored Christ Church thru a painting I painted of it. Today we are taking a quick tour of the churches beautiful stain glass windows. Christ church was established in 1823 as the first Episcopal congregation in Mobile, Alabama and the first in the State of Alabama. The first Anglican church services had been conducted at Fort Charlotte during the British occupation of Mobile in the 18th century. The cornerstone of the current Greek Revival building was laid in 1838, with construction being completed in 1840. The building is stucco over brick painted the "blood of Christ red" with granite stone accents. In 1906 a major hurricane swept through the Mobile area and the storm crashed the original classical Greek Revival steeple through the roof, destroying both in the process. After repairs were completed the steeple was not replaced, and the church assumed its modern appearance, Although there are plans to reconstruct the steeple and cupola. The interior features stained glass windows by Louis Comfort Tiffany. The church became the cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast in 2005.

A 19th century engraving showing Christ Church with it's original steeple

The Miracle at Cana

This window is from the Franz Mayer Company. The inscription reads: In Memory of Sallie Ross Triplett by her daughters Helen Triplett, Nannie Triplett, Hallie Hall, and Amy Ledyard. The window has the seal of the City of Mobile at the top and the seal of Christ Church at the bottom.

The Miracle at Cana

Jesus Meets Nathanael

Stilling the Tempest

Made in Germany by the Franz Mayer Company, this window was installed in 1955. The inscription reads: To the Glory of God and in Loving memory of George Hamilton Dunlap, 1830-1907, Sallie Lightfoot Dunlap, 1846-1906, George Hamilton Dunlap, 1872-1947, George Hamilton Dunlap, 1911-1944. The latter was killed at the Battle of the Bulge during World War II.

Stilling the Tempest

The Baptism of Jesus

Prepare ye the way of the Lord. Matthew 3:3

This window was made by D’Ascenzo Studios of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The inscription reads: To the glory of God and in memory of Willey Glover Creagh Kethchum and her daughters Clara Creagh Denis, Sarah Walthall Creagh, Amanda Creagh DeFord, Willey Glover Creagh. The marble baptismal font that dates from 1840 is located beneath this window.

The Marriage of Isaac and Rebecca

“And Isaac took Rebekah, and she became his wife;

and he loved her.” Genesis 24:67

One of the first windows installed after the hurricane of 1906, this window was designed by the German company of Franz Mayer. The inscription reads: To the Glory of God and in Loving memory of William Henry Ross Born December 8, 1819-Died October 17, 1903 and Mary Amanda Ross Born December 24, 1824-Died July 11, 1917. Married November 4, 1845. Memorial given by their daughter Jennie L. Ross.

The Marriage of Isaac and Rebecca

Nicodemus Meeting Jesus at Night

“Rabbi, we know that thou art a Teacher

come from God.” John 3:2

One of two Tiffany windows in Christ Church, the inscription reads: Edwin Macartney Born November 16, 1868-Died April 1, 1904. His mother Josephine E. Macartney Born December 16, 1840-Died July 1, 1903.

Nicodemus Meeting Jesus at Night

Jesus Blesses the Children

“Let the children come to me, and do not

hinder them; for to such belongs

the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14

This window was also designed by the Franz Mayer Company. The inscription reads: To the Glory of God and in loving Memory of Francis Barnard Clark, January 3rd, 1820-January 18th, 1910 and his wife Helen Mary Shepherd Clark, September 20th 1822-February 22, 1899, and their children: Gaylord Blair Clark, James Shepherd Clark, Francis Bernard Clark, junior, Willis Kennard Clark, Filmore Levert Clark, Bennet Laurie Clark, Louis Vadier Clark. Dedicated by their grandchildren. The window was dedicated at the Centennial Celebration Service of the Diocese of Alabama.

Jesus Blesses the Children

Washing the Feet of Jesus

This window was designed by the Franz Mayer Co. of Germany. The inscription reads: To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory, Lollie Belle Jackson, January 13, 1960, and Theodore K. Jackson, September 24, 1945, and Laura Bryan Gould, December 9, 1949.

Washing the Feet of Jesus

The Creation

“This is the day which the Lord hath made,

we will rejoice and be glad in it” Psalm 118:24

This window was designed by J. Wippell and Co. of England. The inscription reads: Given in love and Thanksgiving for the Gospel and Grace of God the Father by Henry Gilbert Brantley—Verger/Sexton...Christ Church...Easter 1979.

The Creation

Miracle of Feeding the Five Thousand

“Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had

given thanks, he distributed them to those

who were seated; so also the fish,

as much as they wanted.” John 6:11

This window was designed by the Willet-Hauser Architectural Glass firm of Winona, Minnesota. The inscription reads: To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of George A. Carwie, Sr. And Amelia Ferniany Carwie, Dedicated Pentecost 2006. The window, installed after the naming of Christ Church as Cathedral, bears the Christ Church Cathedral seal.