We are privileged to have a number of documents that provide perspective and history to our stained glass windows.  Links on this page provide insight into the work and personality of the designer and the artist of our windows, original sketches of the windows, photographs taken during their manufacture and other reference materials.

About Stained Glass

With education a privilege of the rich and the aristocracy, the use of stained glass in European churches and cathedrals came as a means to provide those who could not read the Scriptures with a way to remember the stories of the Bible through the images depicted in the glass.  These articles provide additional information about the history and meaning of stained glass, both as a religious art form and in the context of the artist and designers of our own windows.

 The Designer and Artist

Our windows were all designed, manufactured and installed by Willet Studios of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Both the designer and the artist responsible for our windows have passed away, but their obituaries provide insight into the hearts and minds behind the creation of our stained glass.

Ms. Marguerite Gaudin - Designer

For many years, it was believed that our windows were designed by a Mr. Charles Willett of Boston, but it was recently learned that our designer was Ms. Marguerite Gaudin, a highly creative and productive employee of Willet Glass.  The mistake was probably the result of confusion between a Mr. Charles Connick who was a well known stained glass designer of the time, and Henry Willet, the creator of our windows.

As her obituary reveals, Ms. Gaudin was known for a sense of humor, leaving her mark in windows with a whimsical touch.  Our windows include this touch in the creation story, the  first Old Testament window, where our moon carries the face of the "Man in the Moon",  our fish blow bubbles, and our serpent has a rather devious swept hair across his forehead. Perhaps you can find others?

Obituary - Ms. Marguerite Gaudin

Mr. Henry Willet - Artist

Mr. Henry Lee Willet, President of Willet Studios at the time our windows were created, was an icon in the stained glass industry, having assumed leadership of the organization following the death of his father, and remaining active up until his own death.  He grew the organization from a regional glass company to a national leader in the industry during his tenure.  An elder in the Presbyterian Church, and a leader in the community, Mr. Willet was a man of strong faith, strong determination and high integrity.

Obituary - Mr. Henry Willet - Industry Journal

Obituary - Mr. Henry Willet - Philadelphia Inquirer

Project Documents

The original contract for our stained glass windows was a simple, single page agreement, providing for the construction and installation of the ten Clerestory windows, the Memorial window, the Chapel windows, and the windows in the Session Room and east and west elevations (Sacristy and Chancel Office) for a total sum of $30,000.  It assures "the finest craftmanship and materials", "a thoroughly staunch and watertight job", "fadeless as the glass painting of the medieval glass artists which have stood the test of centuries." 

Building Committee Minutes Referencing the stained glass project, dated July 16, 1963 and September 29, 1963.