First Presbyterian Church to show off new windows

First Presbyterian Church is getting new windows in its sanctuary. Removal of the old windows began Monday and the project should be completed by Easter.

The San Antonio company also replaced the windows in First Baptist Church's sanctuary.

The project for First Presbyterian involves replacing 24 windows that line the nave and chancel with new windows of faceted glass. Dalle de verre (tiles of glass) windows use one-inch-thick slabs of glass, cut into desired shapes then selectively faceted on the interior edges to enhance refraction of light.

To create faceted glass windows, cut and faceted pieces of glass are arranged on a casting table according to pattern design. An epoxy resin is poured between each piece to create the structural matrix.

Finally, the resin is covered with a layer of colored granules. Darker-colored granules create a black-colored matrix which results in a uniform presentation on the exterior of the building, much like a solid sheet of glass.

In faceted glass windows, the negative space (the matrix) is even more notable than in the design of a leaded-glass window, and its impact on the finished artwork is much more pronounced.

The 12 windows on each side of the sanctuary have been divided into groups of three. Each group was designed to form a single "window." The end result will be a wall of glass on both sides of the sanctuary.

The church's windows committee selected a theme which leads to the cross at the front of the sanctuary. On the north side, the four "windows" will represent the Creation, the Twelve Tribes of Israel, the Law and the 23rd Psalm from west to east.

On the south side, the windows will represent the Nativity, the Twelve Disciples, the Resurrection and the Commissioning from west to east.

The public is invited to March 23 Easter worship at 11 a.m. to see the finished product.

For information, contact the church office at 556-3715.