Introduction

Locating particular windows referred to in this monograph will not be straightforward if the reader is unfamiliar with architectural terminology and the notion of ecclesiastical compass points. The "nave" is the part of a church containing the middle and side aisles; it extends from the entrance to the chancel. It is the area primarily intended for the congregants. The "transept" crosses the nave at a right angle and, together with the nave, forms a cruciform plan (see Figure 1). This layout is in keeping with a processional liturgy (Armstrong, 1990).

Ecclesiastical compass points may sometimes, but not necessarily, correspond to the geographical definition of north, south, east, and west. Within a church, east is defined by the location of the altar. Some churches, particularly very old ones, were situated with the altar at the geographically eastern end, which is the direction of the rising sun, a symbol of the resurrection. Nevertheless, many other churches, including Trinity Cathedral, are oriented otherwise. For example, the altar of Trinity Cathedral is located at its geographically southern end. Even so, its ecclesiastical compass points are consistent with those of other churches; the altar is considered the eastern end; the main entrance is ecclesiastically at the western end; and the transept runs north and south in ecclesiastical direction (Armstrong, 1990).

The Wilbur Herbert Burnham Studios produced seventeen windows for Trinity Cathedral. Three are located along the aisle below the large nativity window in the south transept; three more are located in the corresponding position in the north transept below the large window depicting the resurrection. Five windows are located along the north nave aisle. Four of the five windows located along the south nave aisle were produced by Burnham Studios. The middle window along that aisle, portraying the adoration of the Magi, was produced by Gorham Studios, New York. There are two other Burnham Studio windows located in the clerestory of the south transept. Because they are positioned well above eye level and not thematically related to the main floor windows, these windows are not further discussed.

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