Simple, yet distinctive architecture.....glorious stained glass windows....warm woodwork and a deep-throated pipe organ symbolize Hope Lutheran Church !
From the moment you enter Hope's spacious sanctuary, there is a feeling of warmth and serenity that one cannot deny. Walnut wainscotting surrounds the walls, dominates the choir loft, and sloped semi-circular seating area. This same polished wood carries over to the intricately carved altar which features grape vines and other decorative elements. The flanking tiered choir loft includes a distinctive Kilgen pipe organ, installed in 1936 and enlarged to its current configuration of 15 ranks and over 1000 pipes in 1968.
The Good Shepherd Window
"I am the good shepherd. As the Father knows me and I know the Father, in the same way I know my sheep and they know me. And I am willing to die for them."
--John 10:14-15
From the rich red of Christ's robe to the individual expressiveness on the faces of His sheep, the Good Shepherd window in the north sanctuary wall is an outstanding example of religious art. In the panes flanking the center image, there are complementary circular depictions of the crucifixion story. One features the legendary "Crown of Thorns"; the other, a collection of symbols including a fallen cross, a robe and crown, and the letters "IHS", the first three letters in the name of Jesus. This ia one of the two great windows of the 1903 church structure, financed largely by the Women of the Church pledging a nickle a brick over time....
The Gesthemane Window
"Then Jesus went with His disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them 'Sit here while I go over there and pray.' " -- Matthew 26:36
The story of Christ's fervent prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane immediately preceeding His arrest and crucifixion is depicted in the large west window. Original to the 1902 construction, this window (and all of the stained glass) was refurbished in a major project in the early 1990's. Though the original was untouched, a special overlay of Christ's face restored much of the beauty dimmed over the past century. The result is a dramatic statement of Christ's humanity in His time of trial. Flanking the center sash are the Greek letters, "Alpha" and "Omega"...the beginning and the end. Smaller complementary single hung sashes feature other symbols of the church--the anchor of Hope in one; the lillies of Easter in another.
The Knocking Visitor Window
" Listen! I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into his house and eat with him, and he will eat with me." -Revelations 3:20
The familiar story of Christ knocking at the door is vividly depicted in the third major window of the sanctuary. As is tradition, the door has no handle, making the decision to invite Jesus in the choice of each individual. This window, also designed by the Von Geuchen Art Glass Company, was added during the 1929 reconstruction and addition, but matches the earlier stained glass in both style and substance.
The complimentary sashes flanking the center fixed unit included the two widely recognized symbols of the Last Supper--the grapes and the sheaf of wheat--the wine and the bread of today's Eucharist--the body and blood of the Savior....
An all-inclusive congregation celebrating its past, focused on its future....serving God and the Community for the next 125 years!!!
Visit us this week or call for more information....
937/228-5191