WORDS FROM THE ASSOCIATE:
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
On the evening of May 27th a large group of All Saints parishioners were welcomed to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. During a reception we were thanked by Director Alex Nyerges for our donation and sale of the two Tiffany windows which have become part of the museum’s permanent collection. Following the reception we were invited to visit the temporary exhibit Tiffany: Color and Light. It is a religious experience to view this artwork. An entire wall of church windows from Montreal are like a light-filled meditation chapel. Examples of the many styles of glass designed by Tiffany show the variety of materials used in our own church windows.
The highlight of the evening was our visit to see the newly refurbished – some might say resurrected – Christ Resurrection window. This window is now on permanent display in the Cochrane Atrium. Scott Taylor, who restored the window, was on hand to explain how the restoration was accomplished, showing us also diagrams and before and after photographs of the cleaning and rebuilding process. Barry Shifman, a Curator of Decorative Arts, explained the artistry and special effects created by the Tiffany craftsmanship. Descendants of the Saunders family, who originally donated the window to the All Saints Franklin Street church building, were also present to share in this celebration. It was a joyful celebration.
I was particularly struck by the Christ Resurrection window’s prominent location that allows it to be seen lit up at night from the outside of the museum by anyone passing by on Boulevard. Jesus’ words immediately came to mind from Matthew’s gospel (5:14-16): “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” By making this once deteriorating window, hidden in the bushel basket of our basement for the last fifty years, available for the public to see, we have let a great deal more of our light shine before others to God’s glory.
If you’ve not already seen them, I encourage you to go to the museum to see the Christ Resurrection window, as well as the other windows and objects on display in the Tiffany exhibit. They will give you a heightened appreciation for the rarity and beauty of the Tiffany windows we have installed in our church. The exhibit has an entrance fee (and is open through August 15), but the Christ Resurrection window is in part of the museum which does not require a fee. Do plan to give a donation however, to continue our church’s partnership with the museum, and to insure that such fine art work will continue to be available for viewing, enjoyment, and preaching the Gospel through light for many years to come.
Yours in Christ,
Bill Queen