Resurrection Window
by Stan Detrixhe

December 7th, 1991, Alma Alsop contacted me and showed me the window space. She said she wanted a stained glass window of Jesus. I’d worked on large projects before, but this was to be by far the largest. I came up with a few sketches and we met with the building committee. The Christ figure would have to stand alone if no other work was to be done, but also a plan should be in place for the future. The “Resurrection” theme seemed to be the obvious choice overall and was OK’d by the committee. I made a collage, which is a more precise model and guide to the final version.

The pattern of the window segments seemed a daunting challenge, but is actually a very balanced form, especially with the single largest segment near the center. This segment holds the life-sized figure of Christ. The off-center position of the figure is balanced by the tomb and the stone. The window with Jesus was purchased by Alma Alsop and installed January 25th, 1992. The window of Christ remained alone for a couple of years, and the collage stayed on in the entryway on an easel for about a year.

I kept hoping…finally, I got a call for work on some adjoining panels. Then, I knew that someday all 24 panels would be completed. An interesting progression occurred because church members chose which panels would be done. Fortunately, the next panels were always adjacent, giving me more practical ability to continue the design aspects between each panel. In some cases, I had to keep specific glass stored because years later the continuation would need just that glass. I took a picture of each panel as it was installed to give a time lapse perspective of the project.

Many of the pieces are painted and fired to add texture and depth. This is a time-consuming process, but I consider this type of presentation as an illuminated painting, and not merely an assemblage of colored glass. The process of construction is the copper foil and solder technique pioneered by Tiffany. Copper foil wraps around each piece, and soldering from both sides holds them together. Reinforcement bars are bent to these thin lines.

I had some help along the way. The support of my family and encouragement from the congregation contributed to my spirit. At some points in the project, I hired part-time help.

It’s a rare project that allows an artist to produce work on such a scale, and I consider myself very fortunate. The congregation and pastors of the Phillipsburg United Methodist Church have my thanks and appreciation.

Historical Facts

Size: 17 feet X 17 feet (289 square feet) Glass: 1100 pieces (250 square feet) Weight: 504 pounds Colors & Textures: 150 Timeline: December 1991 - May 1997 Labor: Approx. 2400 man hours Cost: $25,412

click for larger image

The “Resurrection Stained Glass Window” project received contributions both large and small from many different individuals and groups within the church community. Without those gifts of love this project could not have been completed. Enjoy the window from the view inside or outside the church. Give God thanks for His Son Jesus Christ whose message the window portrays and say a prayer of thanks for all the generous loving givers that made this project possible.