The Stained Glass Windows
When our current building was built in 1953 by Daverman Architects of Grand Rapids, we included 12 stained glass windows that were created by John VanderBurgh, who worked with the Grand Rapids Art Company (est.1912- and closed in 1994). VanderBurgh (Born in the Netherlands in 1916) came to the US with his family in 1951 and settled in Zeeland, where he opened an art studio
The "Pilgrim's Progress Window" is shown in memory of John VanderBurgh, who died on March 31, 2004.
As we approach the front entrance of our church and look up, we see a beautiful stained glass window. The main theme is that of the Christian Pilgrim on his journey to glory. We see him down in the valley, but he is going on the upward way. It is the way of the cross, but, thank God, at the end of the road the crown beckons and glory is waiting. A wonderful reminder, indeed, for the pilgrim as he enters the church for worship. It impresses upon him the fact that he has here no abiding city, but must seek that which is to come. The service of worship deepens this pilgrim-consciousness and also provides good, direction, warning and encouragement for the traveler on the pilgrim road to glory. Looking to the right lower corner of this window we see Moses. Representing the Old Testament, he holds the tables of the Law and also the pole with the brazen serpent. On the opposite side we see Paul, the representative of the New Testament. He is stepping out of a boat and is about to plant the banner of the cross on the new continent. Between these representatives of Old and New Testaments, we see the two hemispheres which represent the world. Accordingly, between these two hemispheres you see a cross, which represents the message which we are to bring to the world. The lower part of the window, then, proclaims the duty of the church to witness in all the world, but it also tells the world that the church has the message that meets its deepest need, the message of reconciliation through the cross of Jesus Christ.
Parable of the Sower
“I am” statements of Jesus
Following is a portion of symbolism used, with in-depth information on the Circle Window above the pulpit area:
First, the "Rose Window” which basic construction form in the circle. It carries out the symbolic reminder of God eternal, without beginning or ending, continuous conveys completeness and the eternal nature of each Person in the Godhead. Central to the design is the Greek Cross with influence of the Cross Patee. Very prominent is the red center which gives emphasis to the sacrificial blood of Christ as the nucleus of the plan of Salvation. The cross is yellow/orange to identify the role of the Holy Spirit giving power and influence to sending of the Gospel. Four arms of the cross symbolize that this salvation is to be spread to the four corners of the world. Within the circle frame, the 12 sections are incorporated signifying the 12 Apostles whose task was to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth. The design in each section is a variation of the Fleur-de-lis which Medieval scholars refer to as representative of the Trinity e. g. 3 parts to the design, 3 persons yet all connected.
Noticeable are two more references to the Trinity. Locate the point of color at the apex of the circle and follow down around the circumference on the left and right to note again the same color. Drawing an imaginary line to these three points, you have a triangle. A triangle is part of the symbol used by the CRC to identify itself as a Trinitarian believing denomination. Upon further notice, the circle is divided into 3 equal parts by alignment of the same points of each like color on the three positions, intersecting at the Cross center. This puts the design into three equiangular sections calling to mind the unity of the 3 Persons of the Trinity Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Not by accident this window is positioned in front of the people along with the Word of God as they engage in joyful corporate worship a reminder of the focus of their praise to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.