The beautiful colored glass from the celebrated studios of John Hardman & Company, England, for the openings of the great north and south transept windows of First Church of Christ, Scientist, of this city, will be seen by the public for the first time at the regular church service to-morrow [September 10]. These large windows represent the highest order of artistic workmanship in glass decoration, and their rare beauty of classic design and rich coloring makes them notable works of art. These worthy masterpieces fittingly adorn the noble building for which they were specially designed.
The windows are the gift to Mrs. Eddy from First Church of Christ, Scientist, of New York City, which church gave the generous sum of ten thousand dollars for this purpose.
The architect of the church, Mr. Francis Richmond Allen of Boston, commissioned the Church Glass and Decorating Company of New York to glaze the openings of the transept windows with colored glass from John Hardman & Company of Birmingham, England. The figure glass in the south transept illustrates the command of Christ Jesus to his church as reported in the tenth chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew: "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils." This is very beautifully done by portraying in the four large openings of the south transept the following incidents in the life of the Master: His healing the sick, cleansing the leper, raising the dead, and freeing the possessed from the power of evil. The glass in the north transept window is devoted to two subjects: one illustrating the 21st chapter of the Gospel according to St. John, and the other the third chapter of the Book of the Acts of the Apostles. The first represents the appearance of Christ Jesus to his disciples after the resurrection beside the Sea of Galilee. His glorified presence, which banished the gloom of the crucifixion and confirmed his victory over death, brought them great joy. This glad meeting with their risen Master, at the commencement of a new day. and the morning meal of which the Master and the disciples partook, is commemorated by Christian Scientists in their Communion service. The second subject depicts an incident of healing by the early church. The Master was no longer with them, but his followers, true to his commands, were doing the works he had promised. The scene is at the Gate Beautiful, where the apostle Peter says, "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk." The subjects of these windows are most appropriate, as they clearly bring before the spectator that the works of Christ and his church were not merely to preach, but above all to heal the sick and the sinful.
