Louis Comfort Tiffany windows at Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church

My favorite window at Brown Memorial is If I Be Lifted Up – Christ is portrayed in the clouds, with light radiating from behind His head as the penetrating eyes seem to follow the viewer around the nave. An extra layer of mottled glass behind the clouds was used by Tiffany.

I'm not a big fan of Louis Comfort Tiffany's work as it falls out of my 1860 cut off date for art, architecture and decorative arts. But I fell in love with one of his windows at Brown Memorial Park Avenue Presbyterian Church of Baltimore, Maryland.  Brown Memorial is a quaint stone Gothic Revival-style church built in 1870 and located at Park and Lafayette Avenues in the city's Bolton Hill Historic section. Named in memory of a 19th-century Baltimore financier of the church, the ornate church is noted for its exquisite priceless stained glass windows by renowned artist Louis Comfort Tiffany, soaring vaulted ceiling, and the prominent persons associated with its history. Maltbie Babcock, who was the church's pastor 1887–1900, wrote the familiar hymn, This is My Father's World. Storied virtuoso concert performer Virgil Fox was organist at Brown Memorial early in his career (1936–1946).

Called "one of the most significant buildings in the city of Baltimore, a treasure of art and architecture" by Baltimore Magazine, the church underwent a $1.8 million restoration between 2001–2003. It is part of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) denomination.

"With the addition of 11 Tiffany stained glass windows in the early 1900s, Brown Memorial became more than just a philanthropic phenomenon; it became one of the most significant buildings in the city of Baltimore. The pictures here are nice but they do not do justice to the windows themselves.

Among the considerable number of stained glass windows, those crafted by Louis Comfort Tiffany in 1905 are especially prized for their vibrancy and exceptional depth. Baltimore City Paper called the church and its collection of a dozen Tiffany windows, "the most magnificent interior space in Baltimore City". During the restoration survey in 2000, various stained glass experts praised the extent and craftsmanship of the windows. As part of the church's $1.8 million restoration project between 2001–2003, all of the stained glass windows were releaded and restored to their original luster. 

HOPE AND GLORY 

Christ, an Eternal Vision, among the clouds, transformed by light radiating from behind His head, drawing Humanity to Himself, with his pre-crucifixion , outstretched hands. The eyes are penetrating but inviting, seeming to gaze at the viewer anywhere in the sanctuary. Window created by the Tiffany Studios.

If I Be Lifted Up

My favorite window at Brown Memorial is If I Be Lifted Up

If I Be Lifted Up

If I Be Lifted Up

THE NATIVITY WINDOW 

A stained glass portrayal of the Lucan Gospel, shepherds with sheep, awestruck by the announcement of the Heavenly host, proclaiming the Good Tidings to Humanity. In the background, the Natal Star shines upon the sleeping town of Bethlehem. The Cherub’s face in the mid-section of the window is the likeness of the child of Mr. Smith the honoree. Window created by the Tiffany Studios.

My favorite window at Brown Memorial is If I Be Lifted Up

THE NATIVITY WINDOW 

A stained glass portrayal of the Lucan Gospel, shepherds with sheep, awestruck by the announcement of the Heavenly host, proclaiming the Good Tidings to Humanity. In the background, the Natal Star shines upon the sleeping town of Bethlehem. The Cherub’s face in the mid-section of the window is the likeness of the child of Mr. Smith the honoree. Window created by the Tiffany Studios.

The Holy City – St. John's vision on the isle of Patmos of the "New Jerusalem", as described in Revelation 21:2. Brilliant red, orange, and yellow glass is etched for the sunrise, with textured glass used to create the effect of moving water. Said to be one of the two largest windows (along with The Annunciation to the Shepherds) ever made by the Tiffany Studios, this 58-panel stained glass window honors the church's beloved pastor of the 1880s–1890s, Maltbie Babcock.

The Holy City – St. John's vision on the isle of Patmos of the "New Jerusalem", as described in Revelation 21:2. Brilliant red, orange, and yellow glass is etched for the sunrise, with textured glass used to create the effect of moving water. Said to be one of the two largest windows (along with The Annunciation to the Shepherds) ever made by the Tiffany Studios, this 58-panel stained glass window honors the church's beloved pastor of the 1880s–1890s, Maltbie Babcock.

GABRIEL

The messenger stands among the clouds, wearing chain mail, breast plate, and cross-circled helmet, announcing, “Behold, I show you a mystery”. Window created by the Tiffany Studios.

Gabriel – the archangel Gabriel in the clouds, with feathers individually made of opalescent glass by Tiffany.

The ornate interior

JOHN, THE VISIONARY 

John stands with the hood of his red cloak drawn about his head, receiving the message, “Write what you see.” The intensity of his face carries an awareness of God’s presence and his willingness to serve. Window created by the Tiffany Studios.

John, the Visionary – Wearing a red cloak and having an intense expression, St. John is portrayed by Tiffany in the style of the 17th century Flemish painter Reubens. The window is made of drapery, opalescent, and mottled glass.

The ornate interior

The ornate interior

THE NEW CREATION

A depiction of Revelation 22. The waters flow clear and pure from the steadfast mountains among the durable cedars. The figures on either side sing God’s praises and strum harps. At the bottom, three cherubs kneel holding banners (left to right) , and anchor cross, the Latin cross, and a red heart, respectively symbolizing faith, hope and love (I Corinthians 13). Window created by the Tiffany Studios.

The Baptism of Christ – portrays Jesus with John the Baptist at the River Jordan. Mottled glass is used for the area around the water, with a layer of wavy glass over Christ's left foot to create the illusion of looking through water

THE BAPTISM

Jesus with John the Baptizer in the River Jordan. The Dove descends toward Christ with the witness, “You are my beloved Son”. The purple iris, a form of lily, symbolizes immortality and generally relates to Mary, the Mother of the Christ. Window created by the Tiffany Studios.

 “I AM THE WAY”

In his last days, Jesus spoke with His disciples of knowing where He was going. Thomas said, “we don’t know.” Jesus replied, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” Another exhortation to His disciples to “Follow Me” is depicted. Jesus walks through heavy clouds on the roiling waters – a miracle. Window created by the Tiffany Studios.

I am the Way – Jesus walks on tempestuous seas surrounded by storm clouds. Opalescent glass is used to create a glow of light around the figure of Jesus.

Detail of The Annunciation to the Shepherds – the birth of the infant Christ is announced by angels to shepherds tending their flocks. Tiffany employed a confetti glass technique for the flames of the shepherds' bonfire as the star of Bethlehem gleams with etched glass