The History of Emmanuel Church

DESCRIPTION:

This scene depicts the story in Matthew 19:16-22, in which Jesus tells the rich young ruler ““If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Note that as Jesus gestures to his right while inviting the young man to follow him, His right hand breaks the border of the window.  This is extremely unusual in stained glass art of the day.  The artist is implying that following Jesus knows no boundary.    

ICONOLOGY:

The scene is filled with religious symbols.  Above, in the ornate columned arch, is an oval tablet containing an anchor with a fish across it; sitting on the arch and leaning against the tablet are two angels in blue robes with blue wings.  The anchor is an ancient Christian symbol of hope, while the fish is a pun of the Greek word for fish, which is similar (but not identical) to the Greek name for Jesus.

On the ground behind the young man are two urns, a cloak, and a staff.  The urns represent riches.  The cloak and staff are references to Jesus’ sending out 60 disciples, admonishing them not to take two cloaks or two staffs on the road.  Likewise, it could also imply that a person with two cloaks should give one to someone who has none.

In the predella, is a blue flattened ovoid containing a gold crown and a cross.  The crown and cross symbolize martyrdom, “martyr” meaning witness, but also the possibility of losing one’s life for Jesus’ sake.

In the nameplate:  Dedicated to the glory of God and in loving memory ofEllen Constable Beck and Dr. Samuel Beckby their son Henry Constable Beck.