The Project Overview

"The Good Shepherd" Narthex Window

Completed February 1949

 

“We, of this congregation, will ever be grateful

 for the inspiration and uplift 

which their splendid artistry and craftsmanship 

constantly provide.”

In the fall of 1946, as the congregation of Our Savior's Lutheran Church began completion of the main floor of the church, the Council authorized Mr. Karl J. Olsen to begin working with Charles J. Connick Associates of Boston, MA, to plan the stained glass windows for the church chancel, nave, and narthex.  By April 1947, Mr. Olson was able to share illustrations of the planned windows with the Council, and he was authorized to enter a contract with Charles J. Connick Associates to supply stained glass windows for the price of $7,750, with delivery in 16 months.

The overall plan included

• Chancel windows -- a set of three lancet windows, with Christ in the center lancet and angels of prayer and praise on either side.
• Aisle windows in the Nave -- ten paired windows (five per side) depicting the life of Christ.
• A Narthex window of Christ the good Shepherd.
• A Sacristy window with two panels, depicting David and Samuel as children.

After the new sanctuary was dedicated in September 1948, the Council decided to add six more windows in the east wall at the back of the overflow room (the Apostle Chapel). These six windows, costing $1500, depict six of the apostles (Peter, Paul, John, James, Matthew, and Thomas).  These were completed in June 1949.

Tribute Plaque in Foyer, Our Savior's Lutheran Church

Mr. Charles J. Connick, who passed away in 1945, was recognized in his lifetime as one of the greatest in his field.  He focused his life's study to reproducing the rich colors and symbolism of the Middle Ages.  According to his writing about color,

• Red is the color of divine love, passionate devotion, self-sacrifice, courage, and martyrdom
• Blue symbolizes truth, constancy, eternity, heaven itself and the steadfastness of enduring loyalty
• Green is the color hope, springtime, youth, and victory
• Gold symbolizes love, justice, truth, and royalty
• Purple stands for pain, penitence, mystery and death.

More information about Mr. Connick's life work may be found at the Charles J. Connick Stained Glass Foundation.  

Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Valley City is one of three buildings in North Dakota with Connick stained glass -- the other two are also churches, in Casselton and Enderlin (see Connick Installations List for almost 1000 installation sites).