Oswego church chronicles historic stained-glass windows in ‘The Story of the Windows’
With an all-church presentation and luncheon, Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist in Oswego released “The Stories of the Windows,” a 29-page booklet showcasing 23 color photos of the church’s historic stained-glass windows.
Culminating a year of work by history committee volunteers, the volume (Yorkville Press) is the first record of the windows and their stories in the church’s 128-year history. The booklet includes an emphasis on stained glass, church history, the windows and their stories.
After Sunday worship services, the history committee -- chair Pam Roberts; compiler Mary Ann Stees, and Barb Wood and Janet Bornancin (Nancy Patush was unable to attend) -- hosted a presentation in the church sanctuary about the booklet before a luncheon in the fellowship hall.
Booklets are available for purchase for $15 cash or check. Call (630) 554-3269 to order or for more information.
Pastor Steve Good said the history committee decided to research 128 years of Good Shepherd stained-glass windows after a congregant inquired about their history. Rev. Good added, “We are fortunate to have a wealth of information available to us from members of the congregation and the community. The committee wanted to share what we found out and so a book of the windows and their stories was created for anyone else who might be curious.”
Roberts opened the unveiling service with welcome to audience members and histories of selected windows. Other speakers were Bornancin, Wood and Stees. Nancy Patush was unable to attend.
Roberts said the committee was dedicated to organizing, digitizing and updating the church's history as the congregation's best friend.
Kevin McDonald of Oswego performed three numbers costumed as a Civil War trumpeter. Yorkville photographer Paul Burd, assisted by Bob Mead, contributed color photos. Valerie Burd handled layout of the booklet.
Rev. Good noted that Roger Matile, director of Oswego’s Little White School Museum and a member of Oswegoland Heritage Association board of directors, was among many sources of information.
Selected windows were chosen to be displayed on ceramic discs with a scripture passage on reverse sides. Congregants Bornanacin and Tracy Johnson selected 14 windows for disc images. Five have been completed with funding from an anonymous donor.
A closing statement on the Good Shepherd Window page says, “Our windows are important to us and to our community. The windows bind us to our past, nurture us in the present and guide us to our future.
“They help to restore our soul and trust in God. The Spirit moves within us. Carrie, her parents and all the 'window' families can be proud of their gifts. They give us hope that is eternal.”
Call (630) 554-3269 for more information.