The Sanctuary Windows | Zion Lutheran Church

Window Details

Dedicated on July 16, 1955

Constructed and assembled by Gianini and Hilgart, Chicago Illinois

The architectural lines of Zion are designed to sweep man's thoughts upward. And the thoughts of the worshipers are swept upwards as they see before them this window, 40 feet high and 20 feet wide forming the focal point of the altar.

There are 3,000 pieces of glass in this window. With the exception of the gold, all the glass came from Europe. The glass varies in thickness from 1/8 inch to 2 inches. This variance in thickness determines the density of color. There are 22 shades of blue which causes the window to have a constantly changing affect upon the eye. It is generally felt that the window is most impressive in the early evening hours.

The tall archangels who guard the sanctuary are nine feet in height and kneel at the altar table which is specifically designed four feet high to accommodate them as they pray.

Dr. Kretzman appropriately chose Hebrews 12:22-23 for the theme of Zion's windows.

"You have come to Mt. Zion and to the City of the living God, the Heavenly Jerusalem with thousands of angels.

You have come to the joyful gathering of God's oldest sons whose names are written in Heaven.

You have come to God, Who is the capital judge of all man, and to the spirits of righteous men made perfect."

The image of the Sanctuary Windows below, is large in order to offer the most detail. The bottom of the image contains a scroll bar used to move the image left and right into view.

Rolling your mouse over the image will allow selected highlights of the windows to pop up and explain the content inside our Sanctuary Windows (not available on mobile).