St. Joseph RC Cathedral - Table of Contents

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On this page, below:

Photos - Altar windows

Photos - Rose window

2009 Photos

Altar Windows Behind the altar are three windows depicting the Nativity, theCrucifixion and the Resurrection. These were once believed to be displayed in the Munich Exposition of1850 and donated to the church by King Ludwig I. Sadly this legend is just a story as King Ludwig I abdicated in 1848, there was noExposition in Munich in 1850 and it is documented that the windows were purchased for $5,000. Regardless of their origin, these are three of the oldest stained glass windows in the burned over district. The panels wereexecuted by Josef Scherer of the Königliche Glasmalereianstalt in 1854 and took over a year to prepare and install. Scherer was a pioneer inthe now referred to “Munich-style” of stained glass that is defined by its large, pictorial scenes with painted and enameled details. The two large windows at the ends of the transepts, scenes of the HolyFamily on the north end and the Life of Mary on the south, were made in New York City around the same time. The rest of the windows found inthe church were manufactured by the Tyrolese Art Glass Company and installed in 1902, with one exception, the Father Kelly MemorialWindow. The two panel window depict St. Charles Borromeo on the left and St. Edward the Confessor on the right with the lives of each saintin small panels surrounding them. This window is a rarity in the Catholic world as it was made by Hardman & Co. of England, a firmwhose windows are usually found in Episcopal churches. - Gregory Witul, St. Joseph Cathedral Reprinted from Exploring the Burned Over District (online March 2015)

Altar windows (3 lancets) and rose window above Far left window:  Nativity Nativity              Trefoil shapes Nativity              Trefoil shapes Nativity             Trefoil shape Nativity              Note three shepherds Nativity              Shepherds Nativity              Shepherd Nativity           Mary & Joseph Nativity           Gift of slaughtered pig Center lancet -  Crucifixion "25 Now there stood by the crosse of Jesus, his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy sonne. 27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother. And from that houre that disciple tooke her unto his own home." - John 19 Left, woman in blue:  Mary, mother of Jesus Woman, center: Mary Magdalene. or Mary of Clopas Right: John the Evangelist  (the only apostle not depicted with a beard)  Crucifixion  - detail       df Crucifixion  - detail         Angel preserving Christ's blood in a chalice Crucifixion  - detail  Crucifixion  - detail  Crucifixion  - detail       Angel preserving Christ's blood in a chalice Crucifixion  - detail  Crucifixion  - detail Crucifixion  - detail Crucifixion  - detail Crucifixion  - detail                 Artist's signature: J[osef] Scherer / [translation: Munich] Resurrection Matthew 27:50-53:  And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. Resurrection - detail Resurrection - detail Resurrection - detail Resurrection - detail Resurrection - detail              Artist's signature:  [translation: Munich]

Rose window above altar windows Rose window – detail      Pelican and chicks

Altar Windows Behind the altar are three windows depicting the Nativity, the Crucifixion and the Resurrection. These were once believed to be displayed in the Munich Exposition of 1850 and donated to the church by King Ludwig I. Sadly this legend is just a story as King Ludwig I abdicated in 1848, there was no Exposition in Munich in 1850 and it is documented that the windows were purchased for $5,000. Regardless of their origin, these are three of the oldest stained glass windows in the burned over district. The panels were executed by Josef Scherer of the Königliche Glasmalereianstalt in 1854 and took over a year to prepare and install. Scherer was a pioneer in the now referred to “Munich-style” of stained glass that is defined by its large, pictorial scenes with painted and enameled details. The two large windows at the ends of the transepts, scenes of the Holy Family on the north end and the Life of Mary on the south, were made in New York City around the same time. The rest of the windows found in the church were manufactured by the Tyrolese Art Glass Company and installed in 1902, with one exception, the Father Kelly Memorial Window. The two panel window depict St. Charles Borromeo on the left and St. Edward the Confessor on the right with the lives of each saint in small panels surrounding them. This window is a rarity in the Catholic world as it was made by Hardman & Co. of England, a firm whose windows are usually found in Episcopal churches. - Gregory Witul, St. Joseph Cathedral Reprinted from Exploring the Burned Over District (online March 2015)

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Special thanks to Rector Msgr. James F. Campbell for his cooperation in 2009

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Photos and their arrangement © 2009 Chuck LaChiusa
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