Introduction to the Nave Aisle Windows

The five windows of the south nave aisle windows tell the story of the Annunciation to Mary and the Nativity, Infancy, and Adolescence of Jesus. Four of these windows were crafted by Burnham. However, the middle window, which depicts the Adoration of the Magi, is from the Gorham Studio and is a study in contrasts. Its subdued colors, wealth of detail, and greater imagined “literalness” appear to be in keeping with the kind of windows with which Dean Emerson and the Trinity Congregants were both familiar and comfortable, much to the consternation of Burnham. Why the Gorham Studio was selected for providing this window is unclear. There exists interesting correspondence between the Trinity administration and the widow of the renowned stained glass artist R. Toland Wright of Cleveland, who was operating the studio founded by her husband and who was interested in providing the window for this space.

The five windows along the north nave aisle all deal with Jesus' ministry, and he is now depicted as an adult. Gone is the sweet, young face and the short, curly hair seen in the west window of the south nave aisle. Here is Jesus with long hair and a beard, with a compassionate face and a tall form. However, lest the viewer have any doubts as to who this man is, Burnham ties all the scenes together by using the same nimbus or halo for Jesus as in his infancy and youth.

Go to the nave aisle windows:

• Annunciation Window
• Nunc Dimittis Window
• Work Window
• Wisdom Window
• Blessing Window
• Teaching Window
• Healing Window
• Forgiving Window
• Praying Window

Go to: next section / previous section /main index