Florence Revelle

The exterior of the Chapel is Neo-Gothic and is an harmonious complement to the Church proper. The Celtic, or Presbyterian Cross, identified by the circle of eternity, surmounts the roof. The double doors of the entrance are of dark-hued wood and are Cathedral-styled. The visitor enters the narthex with its dark wood paneled walls and stone floor of green and red blocks of-irregular design. Multi-color lights- red, blue, green, gold - filter thru a stained glass window on the east wall. To the right of the inside Cathedral doors leading to the nave is an impressive bronze plaque with the inscription:

The Cathedral doors open into the nave. The interior of the Chapel has dark burnished wooden pews on each side of a center aisle. The stone aisle leads to the raised, red-carpeted chapeI. The pulpit and lectern are on either side. The Communion table is in the center near the wall. Carved on the side are the words: "Do This in Remembrance of Me."  Pulpit chairs are on either side of the altar. Above is the dossal of rose damask with the Lamb and the letters IHS woven in the fabric. IHS is the Greek symbol for the word Jesus. A bronze cross and a pair of candles, symbolic of the human and divine nature of Christ, stand on the table. Engraved on each are the words, "Presented by Mrs. Samuel R. Noble 1944". A pair of tall bronze vases, gift of Mrs. Noble, flank the table. Communion table cover and antependia matched the damask dossal.

This is the setting for a magnificent, series of stained glass windows depicting the Life of Christ. The installation was about 1939. Four windows on the west side show event in the early Life of Christ and the four on the east side of the nave show later events. The narthex has two more windows -the Grapes and the Holy Bible. The Resurrection window is in the front of the Chapel, visible from the street, and can be seen from the inside from the choir loft and from the chancel.

The Nativity is the subject of the first window. The medallion insert shows the Christ Child with the Virgin Mother.  The features are delicate and well-defined. The Baby has a halo or nimbus on its head and the Star of Bethlehem shines down toward the tiny figure. The crude wooden supports of the improvised crib are shown. The Mother's head, encircled by a nimbus, bends toward the Infant Child. Over her white gown drapes a robe of shades oil blue, her special color. There are surprising colors of vivid red. The panels on either side have inserts of crosses of gold to indicate the Divinity of the Christ Child. The ornamentation above shows a stylized lily, symbol of the Virgin Mother and of purity. Even small children love this window.

Jesus Preaching in the Temple is presented in the medallion of the next window. The story is familiar, how the Holy Family missed the Son and sought Him and finally found Him preaching to his elders in the Temple. The artist realistically created the countenance and figure of a young boy of twelve. This is the beautiful face of an adolescent, serious in mind and thought, right hand upraised. He stands squarely on bare feet. He is clad in white, the color of purity, his robe bordered in royal gold. His attitude is one of command as he preaches to the doctors and rabbis. At his feet is a vessel that appears to hold scrolls. The tri-rayed nimbus, signifying the Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, encircles His head. Rich tones of rose, blue and green illuminate the background.

The Baptism of Jesus by John is the medallion of the third window head bowed Jesus stands in the water of the River Jordan. He holds his garments high above the water. Beside him stands John in a rich red robe. With his right hand, John pours the water of baptism over the haloed head of Jesus. In his left hand, John holds the staff with the banner carrying the words, "Ecce Renum Dei." Green, the color of hope, radiates from the background.

"Light of the World." Jesus holds a staff with a lamp suspended from it in the medallion of the west window of the chancel. His ex­pression is serious. His white gown is covered by a red robe bordered in gold. His head is garnered by a green triangular screen. Royal blue forms a backdrop. This scene evokes a solemn and mysterious appeal.

Jesus Offers an Invitation in the west window of the chancel. "Come unto me all ye who labor and are heavy burdened and I will give you rest." He stands looking straight forward and with his arms at his side and the palms of his hands turned outward, an attitude of invitation. A red robe falls in graceful folds from his shoulders. His features and whole demeanor express concern and compassion. The bright green background promises hope.

Jesus the Good Shepherd appears in the next medallion in the nave. "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want...." What comfort! In his right hand he holds the shepherd's staff. In his left arm he caresses a tiny lamb. Close beside him are two sheep. This is the Loving Father caring for his sheep. His expression is tender. The brilliant red robe contrasts with the blue background. The palm fronds are prophetic of martyrdom and the victory of immortal life over death.

Jesus Holding the Chalice - symbolic of the Last Supper and the Sacrament of the Altar.- follows. His right hand is upraised with the fingers pointing heavenward. He holds the Chalice in his left hand. "This is my blood.  Do this in Remembrance of Me." He stands against a blue green background outlining his red robe. Full-blown lilies symbolizing purity and the resurrection bloom at his feet.

The Crucifixion is pictured in the final window in the nave. The body of Christ hangs from the Cross in stark realism. Blood falls down His face from the Crown of Thorns. Cruel nails mark His hands and feet and blood drips from the spear wound at His side. The letters INRI (from the Latin, Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews) are inscribed on the cross. The green reed-like shield behind the figure accent the gray flesh, the suffering of his face. The Agony of the Cross is vivid, electrifying. We stand as in a trance. Slowly we turn and leave thru the doors to the narthex. Reds, blues, greens and gold are reflected from the window on the left. The center medallion shows the grapes, symbol of the Last Supper. The vines symbolize the followers of the Master. We turn and climb the red-carpeted narrow stairway to the choir loft. Half way up another stained glass window casts its multi-colored glow. Centered in a medallion inset is an open Bible with the words "Holy Bible". The Word.

The Resurrection Window is the large window at the front of the Chapel. It can be seen best from the choir loft. This is an awesome sight of a seemingly life-size figure of Christ, the Risen Christ stepping from the tomb. The tri-rayed nimbus of the Trinity surrounds his head. His right hand is upraised with the fingers pointing toward heaven. His left hand is partly raised and holds the folds of his shroud. His expression is one of compassion. The compelling eyes follow the beholder. The nail wounds on his hands and feet are testimonials of the Crucifixion. He stands in the archway of the gray stone tomb. "He is Risen. Angels clad in red kneel on either side of him. Each angel holds a sheaf of lilies, symbol of the Resurrection. Brilliant flowers at Christ's feet symbolize the Nativity, innocence, the Trinity. Palm fronds - Victory - illuminate panels on either side of this magnificent scene. The Greek symbols Alpha and Omega appear beneath, "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord." Behold the Risen Christ:  A triumph of art, a religious experience has been wrought in stained glass. This Memorial Chapel with its spiritual treasure was indeed built to the Glory of God.