STAINED GLASS WINDOWS
Creator - Louis Comfort Tiffany, son of founder of the famous store and later owner himself.
Was a painter & evidence of his painter’s eye is present in the beautiful creations.
All windows, including the 14 in the nave, those in the bell tower, those behind the
organ, those present to the sides of the altars, and those in the rectory all made by
Tiffany
Stained glass windows present pictorial history of the Bible since the Middle Ages when few
people could read. Paintings could not be illuminated in the dark churches that often lacked
adequate light sources. Stained glass provided a way to light the church and teach the stories of
the Bible.
Windows strategically placed in the Basilica so that east side windows are illuminated by the
rising sun and those on the west side by the setting sun.
East (Mary’s) Side – Life of St. Peter from his call to his martyrdom.
West (Joseph’s) Side – Life of St. Paul from his call to his martyrdom.
Each window cost $525 - [total $7350] (Value of $1 in 1890 is estimated to be $3.704 in today's
value, bringing total for each window to just below $2000 or $28,000 for all 14 in today's money.
The windows are 30 ft. high and 7 ft. wide.
Over 12,000 pieces of glass were used in windows.
Beneath each window is the Bible reference of the scene described.
The circular section at the top of each window is significant to the scene depicted.
EXAMPLES:
Peter, the fisherman, is at seashore dropping his nets when Jesus says, "Come, follow me. I will
make you fishers of men."
Notice the scripture reference at bottom of window.
Now look to the top of window- look at fishes and loaves- referring to "feeding of 5,000."
On the other side, the WEST side, Joseph's side, the windows show the CALL of Saul, and
teaches, performs miracles, shipwrecked in Malta, and Paul's martydom by beheading.
Look at first window of the conversion of Saul, who becomes Paul, on the road to Damascus.
Notice the scripture reference in Bible at bottom of window.
At the top, is a sunrise.
Father Carter feels that the brightly colored stained glass windows "enliven the soul and open
the scriptures to tell a beautiful story of St. Peter and St. Paul interacting with our Lord Jesus and
The Church and the world. The windows bring together art and faith to tell the story of
goodness.” For more info, may purchase A Treasury of Christian Art in narthex.