The Stained Glass Windows of The First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor

Our church’s sanctuary windows are known as “grisaille” windows. Grisaille stained glass has a prevailing greyish tint, the delicate field of grey setting off the vivid medallions and figures shown thereon. The origin of windows in this style is to be found in the English and French churches. The very early windows were composed almost entirely of deep, rich colored glass, which left many of the interiors of the buildings very gloomy. 

After a time, people felt the desire for more light in their buildings. The stained glass craftsmen began to use light tints in their backgrounds, covered with a pattern or tone of paint – sometimes both – to cut down the glare of the lighter glass. They still retained the rich coloring in the borders, ornament, and tracery. Thus was born the type of window we call grisaille.

The First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor follows a very old and universal Christian practice. The windows we installed in the 1940s and early 1950s are not just combinations of artistic design wrought in pieces of richly stained glass. They are of the Christian tradition, they speak of sacred things, and they are perpetual reminders of “the faith of our fathers.”

As we sit in our church and meditate on the stained glass windows, let us hope that not only will their glorious beauty stir our imagination, but also that we may think of Him who is the “Light of the World,” and catch the spirit of that “faith once for all delivered to the saints.”