The large West Window in the chapel was a gift of the Hunt family in 1882. The window includes images of Mary and Joseph, the Holy Spirit as Dove, and Jesus, Emmanuel. There are six quotes from scripture, both Hebrew and Christian.
Top left: Elisabeth said blessed is she that believed Luke 1:45
Top right: Mary said my soul hath rejoiced in God my savior Luke 1:47
Middle left: Anna gave thanks likewise unto the Lord Luke 2:38
Middle right: Simeon said Lord now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace Luke 2:29
Bottom left: Hannah prayed and rejoiced in the Lord I Samuel 2:1
Bottom right: Samuel said serve the Lord in truth 1 Samuel 12:24
The top quotes are from The Visitation (celebrated May 31): Mary, pregnant with Jesus, visits her cousin Elisabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist. The window has the first words from Elisabeth’s blessing of Mary and the first words of Mary’s song, The Magnificat.
The middle quotes are from The Presentation (celebrated February 2): Mary and Joseph bring the infant Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem in accordance with Jewish ritual. Two elders of Israel, Anna and Simeon, recognize and bless the Messiah.
The bottom quotes are from the story of Samuel, the last Judge of Israel: Hannah praises God in song when she becomes pregnant with Samuel, a song that is paralleled in Mary’s song. Samuel’s words are from his farewell speech to Israel.
In addition to referencing familiar Bible stories is going on, the initials of Anna’s father, Samuel C. Hunt, can be found in the window. Most of the quotations name members of the Hunt Family – Samuel, his wife Elisabeth, daughter Anna, and son Samuel Jr.
The window’s trefoil shape is a popular symbol for the Trinity. The dove descending is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Luke 3:21-22: When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
The window is spectacular on a clear late afternoon when the chapel lights are off.