The stained glass windows of the Chapel of Grace Episcopal Church in Port Orange are outstanding examples of Tiffany Studios Work and the Chapel boasts the only known signed Tiffany window depicting St. Luke the Physician.
Window of St. Luke
The Chapel itself was constructed in 1893 according to the “carpenter gothic” building style used during that era. Native cypress and heart pine trees formed the basis of the sructure. The pews were hand-sawed by parishioners at the time of the construction and the kneeling cushions still contain the 125 years old “horsehair” filled pads although they have been recovered several times. In addition, the altar and baptismal font are both original to the structure; however, the original “whale-oil” lighting fixtures have been converted to electricity. The suspended crucifix that was once hung at St. Gregory Abbey in Three Rivers, Michigan, now hangs near the altar.
The original windows in the building were made of clear glass but the front and rear windows were replaced at the turn of the century with the stained glass windows crafted by Tiffany. Louis Tiffany was a prolific and much sought after designer of stained glass in the late 1900s and into the 20th century. Invented and patented by Tiffany in 1892, the favrile glass enhances the quality of the shape and colors by allowing the different layers of glass to come together while still hot. The Window of the Good Shepherd and the Window of St. Luke are two excellent examples of Tiffany Studios work.
Window of Good shepherd
The Tiffany window above the altar depicts a favorite theme of Christ the Good Shepherd showing Christ holding a lamb while others cluster at his feet. If one looks closely, you can see the organic matter of twigs and leaves within the seven layers of “circus” glass which changes with the light. The window is stunning during the late afternoon when the sun sets the window colors ablaze.
At the rear of the chapel, the St. Luke window is Tiffany’s only recorded depiction of the physician evangelist. Tiffany utilized favrile glass, layered elements, and hand painted features to create the window.
Both stained glass windows were donated to Grace Church by the Meeker family, one of the founders of Port Orange. Dr. and Mrs. Meeker gave the signed three-part Tiffany window as a memorial to her father, Dr. Nathaniel Wood. After her husband’s death, Mrs. Meeker donated the unique signed Tiffany window of St. Luke, the Physician.
The side windows were crafted by Willet Studios of Pennsylvaina using the technique of silk-screened designs applied to pieces of flat glass which is more efficient in producing the art glass windows.
These side windows depict various scenes in the life of Christ with the first showing the Annunciation with a kneeling Mary. The following windows show the Nativity, the Miracle of changing water to wine at the Wedding in Cana, and the Sermon on the Mount. On the opposite side of the chapel, the life of Christ continues with the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection, and the Ascension.
The tower of the chapel features a window showing St. Paul ‘s missionary journeys with a Scripture verse written in Armenian and was a gift from the Najarian family. The verse is John 13:34 which reads: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another, Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.”
Grace Episcopal Church is celebrating 125 years of service to the people of Port Orange. The chapel was the primary place of worship for the parishioners from 1893-1984. The growth of the community and the parish resulted in the current worship center being built in 1985. Today, the chapel is utilized for worship services during the week and for special occasions such as small weddings.
As Grace Episcopal Church is the church of open arms, we invite you to join us in recognizing our 125 Anniversary with a Community Celebration event to be held on Saturday, October 24, 2015. From 11 AM until 3 PM, enjoy a complimentary lunch with afternoon refreshments along with crafts, games, and face painting for children. Tours of the campus and the 1893 historic Chapel with Tiffany Stained Glass windows will be offered. At 6 PM, an old fashioned Pioneer Dinner featuring pulled pork and chicken along with all the fixings will be served. Tickets are $10 per person.
On Sunday, November 1, 2015, at 9 AM, you are invited to an 1890 Liturgical Service and Music. Rev. Chris Gray, our first Rector, will be Celebrant and Preacher. An elegant brunch will follow the service.
Grace Episcopal Church is located at 4110 S. Ridgewood Ave, Port Orange. For information, please call 386-767-3583.