Completed in 2002, Saint George's stained glass windows are inspired by the hymn
 "I Sing a Song of the Saints of God," and reflect almost four years of planning, research and fabrication.  They replace the crumbling and leaking original windows from 1964 which had more than lived out their expected 30 year life span.  The Saint George window in the narthex contains pieces of these original windows in the red cross of George's banner.  Red is the most precious color of glass as its hue is achieved by the incorporation of gold dust within the melted glass.

Saint George's windows are called "antique" glass (meaning new glass but hand blown by the traditional method) held in place by lead framing, protected by double panes of thermal glass on the exterior of the building.  In years to come, the leading can be repaired and replaced making the life expectancy of these windows beyond calculation.

The fabrication process of stained glass is complicated and fascinating.  After numerous renderings on paper, a design is finally agreed upon and the "blueprint" of the window is laid out.  Every piece of glass is hand selected, then painted and fired in a kiln utilizing a variety of chemicals to permanently change its appearance.  The glass is held in position first by wax and then lead as the window reaches its completed form.  Structural bars are added for reinforcement and finally the windows are crated and shipped to their destination.

Designed by artist Joan Collins of Willet Studios in Philadelphia, one of the oldest glass studios in America, Saint George's windows depict saints and historical figures which tell the story of God's call to people throughout human history.  The light from the pictures of these faithful people rests on the faces of countless worshippers to today - each struggling in their own way to be followers and present day disciples of Jesus Christ.

The Tradition of Stained Glass

From the flickering of fire on cave walls to the glow of computer monitors, the human imagination is captivated by the play of light.  The art of coloring glass to reflect that light dates back to the tenth and eleventh centuries and may have been inspired by the use of alabaster in windows around the Mediterranean.  Canterbury Cathedral in England holds windows that date back to the 14th Century -- indicative of the wide use of the medium by church builders throughout history.  The oldest fragments of stained glass in existence today depict the face of Christ and are found in Lorsch and Wissemburg. 

The highest form of this art was achieved by craftsmen of gothic cathedrals and perhaps best represented in the great explosions of color known as "rose" windows -- often located on the west and east walls in direct line with the sunlight.  Here the beholder may sometimes experience the veil between heaven and earth become transparent -- and feel the wonder its designers intended -- a soul that has come into the Presence of the Divine.

Continuing in this ancient tradition, Saint George's windows are not only objects of art but of inspiration -- truly a gift of beauty and faith to the greater Dayton community.