Bach

The fourth window from the chancel end on the south side of the nave has Johann Sebastian Bach [1685-1750] as its central figure. Like its neighbor to the left, it celebrates the place of music in worship. In neo-Gothic style, it is marked by strong reds balanced with blues and yellows. Flanking the figure of Bach are smaller red-cloaked figures; the one on the left labeled “Melody” and holding a book, the one on the right labeled “Harmony” and playing a portative organ. Above in the lancet is the dove of the Holy Spirit, with beams of inspiration descending to a cluster of four red-winged seraphim. Around the top of the window is the quotation, “Sing unto the Lord a new song and his praise in the congregation of saints” [Psalm 149:1]. On either side of the figure of Bach is the inscription, “I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations” [Psalm 108:3].

Johann Sebastian Bach was the greatest composer of the Baroque period. he composed hundreds of church cantatas, oratorios, organ, and instrumental works. His music is characterized by polyphony of remarkable beauty and complexity, beloved by nonmusicians but especially by musicians.

The window is a memorial to Mary Crawford Bigelow (1870-1929), given by her husband Samuel Lawrence Bigelo (1870-1947). Mrs. Bigelow was a lover of music, a member of the church Music Committee, and mother of two sons and a daughter. Her husband was a professor of chemistry at the University of Michigan, and a vestryman of many years, before women could be elected to the vestry.

Installed in 1938, the window was designed by James Hogan and created by the James Powell and Sons (Whitefriars) Stained Glass Studio, Middlesex, England.

Researched by Rohn Federbush and Barbara Becker