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“People are like stained glass windows; they sparkle and
shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their
true beauty is revealed only if there is a light within.”
– Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
DeAun Michael
Reporter
OSAGE CITY—The beauty of the Grace Lutheran Church has been
further revealed with new stained glass windows, the shining culmination
of over 15 years of major projects to renovate the church in Osage
City. These renovations began with an addition to the church in
1994 and were made complete with 10 new stained glass windows installed
this past summer.
The project began taking shape when church members Alice Peterson
and Julie Carlson volunteered to research and follow through with
the design, financing and completion of the window project. Over
$28,000 was raised, with the largest part of the money being donated
by church members, their families, and through memorial donations.
With two primary stained glass windows already in place, church
members wanted the new windows to enhance the existing windows of
the church and reflect the traditional worship of the Grace Lutheran
Church. Several designs and bids were submitted for review. After
considering these bids and the design of the current windows, Peterson
drew a sketch for the new windows, incorporating details and features
that would best represent the church.
The 10 windows are similar in design with a different medallion
on each. The medallions are church symbols chosen by the families
of those being memorialized. Symbols include a ship, anchor, butterfly,
lily, wheat, Luther’s Rose, fish and loaves, lamb, chalice
and grapes, and in the music window behind the choir loft, a lyre.
The windows were made by the Cathedral Glass Company, of Winona,
Minn.
The church’s pastor, John Ashcraft, believes the windows are
a reflection of the church itself.
“I think the windows enhance our worship space,” Ashcraft
said. “Our worship is traditional and we want to hold on to
that. We believe having the symbols surrounding us helps enhance
that worship.”
The stained glass windows were the finishing touch to many years
of renovations at the church. These projects, which began with the
addition to the church, also included basement, balcony and sanctuary
renovations, new lights and sound system and refurbishing of the
church organ.
The brick exterior of the church has also received a major facelift
with the help of Jim Jackson. A three-year project by Jackson included
tuck-pointing the entire brick exterior. This involved removing
and replacing all of the mortar between the bricks as well as repairing
the church bell tower and adding enhancements to the church sign.
There are still projects yet to be completed according to Ashcraft.
These will include additional landscaping and a tile and brick patio
in the rear of the church.
“Hopefully these renovations will last for the next several
generations to worship in,” Ashcraft said.
Members of the church will gather Saturday for their annual fall
craft bazaar, breakfast and dinner. The community is invited to
join the celebration and to witness the beauty of the church’s
new stained glass windows. |
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