Mifflin Avenue United Methodist Church:
Stained Glass Windows

Windows set the tone for worshipers everywhere. The stained glass casts a rainbow of diffused color to enhance the atmosphere of the worship scene. Without exception they are framed with a Gothic Arch. It is characteristic of humankind to look upward to the highest point, thus elevating one’s outlook. The vaulted ceiling gives an air of spaciousness. The architect incorporated every possible symbol to promote the mood of worship; the worshiper is ushered into God’s presence. J. Horace Rudy of York, Pennsylvania designed and executed all the windows at Mifflin in the sanctuary erected in 1924. Each one tells a story and adds an aura of remembrance to those held in high esteem and honored by their Christian friends and relations.

The windows in St. Luke’s Chapel are done in contemporary fashion and depict man’s journey through life. They are entitled “Birth, Death, Brotherhood and Peace.” Since they are done in contemporary style the message is not immediately discernible, but as one looks at them their beautiful vibrant color and content come alive in terms of one’s personal experiences. Their genius lies in the fact that they have many meanings and one can always receive a new and additional message from them. The windows were memorialized by Mrs. J.H. Williams, Mr. & Mrs. J.E. Laughery, Mr. & Mrs. C.A. Powell and Mrs. L.F. Scoletti.

The windows in the John Wesley Room and in the upstairs classrooms are the original windows of the mission chapel.

–Wilbur A. (“Wib”) Wetzel

Memorial Art Windows :: In Loving Memory of :: Presented by

Christ in the Garden :: George W. Baldwin :: Mrs. M.D. Hanlon & sisters

The Morning of the Resurrection :: Mrs. Mary Chester Boos :: Mrs. Clara Chester Bailey

Safe in the Arms of Jesus :: Elsie Elizabeth Dart :: Mr. and Mrs. Bert Dart

Suffer the Little Children :: John Rigg Lewis :: Mr. & Mrs. J.W. Lewis

This Do in Remembrance of Me :: Charles A. Lillich :: Mrs. Emma Lillich

Steadfastness of Faith :: Mrs. Anna J. McCarty The Ladies’ Aid Society

In My Father’s House Are Many Mansions :: Newton Parker :: Mrs. Ida Parker

The Church Triumphant :: Mrs. Fannie Schum :: The Schum Family

The Wisdom of the Mysterious Way of Providence :: Patricia Wright

Choir Room Windows :: :: The Choir

Pastor’s Study Windows :: :: The Sunshine Class

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Wilkinsburg Public Library Digital Archives:

Mifflin Avenue United Methodist Church 1896–1996, Centennial booklet, appendix I.