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The Pacific Lutheran University rose window sits at the center of campus in Eastvold Chapel. Dedicated in 1952, the rose window has become the logo of PLU. The following is a moving description of the various elements contained in this window written by PLU Professor Emeritus Stewart D. Govig.
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"Heaven in Glass"
Don't give up
now, you're almost there!" used to read the sign at the third staircase
landing of Eastvold. Climbers who make it to the top know the colored
glow of the Rose Window offers a visual reward as well as a glimpse of
the inspiration for the familiar PLU logo.
Dedicated in 1952, the small worship space high on Eastvold Chapel's
east wall marks a stark contrast to the plain exterior dimensions of
its host. And its large, eight-foot, circular stained glass window can
not only hush our attention, it can also educate the patient viewer in
Christian theology. Religion professor Jesse Pflueger suggested a theme
to artists of San Francisco's Cummings Studio in 1951: the Agnus Dei,
Christ the victorious Lamb of God.
The seer of Revelation beholds heaven (Rev. 4:1), and,
within its ceaseless worship, the throne of God (7:15). Nearby stands a
Lamb, looking as if it had been slaughtered, but now alive forevermore
and worthy to open the seals of God's final judgment Scroll.
Consequently, the One who shares honor and glory forever (5:6-14)
becomes the artistic focal point.
Eight semicircles radiating forth from it remind observers of the
Lamb's beatitudes: "Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the
kingdom of heaven..." (Matt. 5:3-11). Four spaces beyond describe
Revelation's "four living creatures" (4:6-1 1) namely, a lion, an ox, a
creature with a "face like a human face," and one like "a flying
eagle."n, Ox, Eagle, and a Face. In Christian tradition, each of them
represents a New Testament Gospel. Four others recall Biblical
prophets: Jeremiah's scroll, Isaiah's burning coal, Ezekiel's gateway
turret, plus Daniel's lion.
How are we introduced to the Lamb in Scripture? Through prophet and
evangelist. Stationed at the end of the Bible, Revelation chisels a
capstone vision of the Risen Christ. Crowns of earthly kings, (note
semicircles) are cast before the eternal Ruler (4:11) now alive beyond
reach from the death of the Cross (the nimbus framing the Lamb's Head)
and qualified to herald a Resurrection pennant of gold (preciousness)
and white (purity and victory).
The horizontal plane of our window reveals the Church's ecumenical
Trinitarian dogma. To the left, the Hebrew letter "yod" set within the
equilateral triangle hearkens back to Moses, the burning bush (Exodus
3) and the sacred name "Yahweh."
Moving right in line glows God's Son, the Agnus Dei; look
next for the Dove, head framed in red (fires of Pentecost, Acts 2), who
betokens the Holy Spirit. The vertical plane, beginning at the top,
discloses an interpretation of our institution's Christian
denominational tradition. Luther insisted, "The Word Alone," meaning
for him an open Bible for all. Yet how, some ask, can just anyone read
and comprehend it? By keeping Christ, the Risen Lamb, at the center, he
replies.
The panel at the bottom displays Luther's coat of arms, itself a set of
symbols. From 16th-century Europe, Lutherans in confession and praise
will intersect -- but not break with -- the universal Church's
horizontal line of identity. We join fellow believers everywhere to
address "Our Father, who art in heaven..." (Matt. 6:9).
Further out,
vivid red frames embrace additional panels featuring five and
six-pointed stars set against cosmic blue. These suggest the major
parts of the Christian Bible, Old and New Testaments. Holly leaves in
green are included here; they balance out the prophetic and evangelist
schemework, and announce a tribute to the climate of the Puget Sound
and to Washington, the Evergreen State.
For years, I have followed hundreds of Lutes in my classes up the
chapel stairs to revel with them in stained glass iconography. I'm
confident they would support me in inviting you to make the climb for
yourself. Join our alumni band of climbers. The morning light is best.
Let a swirl of image and the fire of color refresh your soul and make
your day.
Stewart D. Govig
Professor Emeritus
1927-2005
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