Our Stained Glass
The Stained Glass of St. James Episcopal Church
By the Rev. William Slack (1917-1937) and edited by Arnetta Gravier
All information for this page comes from a 30-page booklet, with details of each glass section and the individual or family that commissioned the particular glass. To obtain a copy, please contact the Church Office at (318) 445-9845.
The fourth and current church building was constructed in 1926 at the corner of Bolton Avenue and Murray Street, and it was the rector, Dr. William Slack, who designed and supervised the installation of the windows. The glass depicts a historical sequence, from the ministry of Jesus, to the life of James, to the evolution of the church in history, including the American colonies. Windows were designed by the Jacoby Glass Company, St. Louis.
According to Arnetta Gravier, "nineteenth-century excavations in the Middle East uncovered colored glass pieces believed to have been made as early as 1400 B.C. Glass was used for vessels and ornaments until the Romans used glass in an architectural context. Decorative glass windows appeared in churches at an early date."
This from the Rev. Slack: "Rarely does it happen that it is possible to supply at one time all the windows necessary to fill the openings. It may be of interest to record the cost of the windows - $13,500...Because it was all done [planned] at one time, there is a harmony that is found in these windows which is extremely unusual."
By the Rev. William Slack (1917-1937) and edited by Arnetta Gravier
All information for this page comes from a 30-page booklet, with details of each glass section and the individual or family that commissioned the particular glass. To obtain a copy, please contact the Church Office at (318) 445-9845.
The fourth and current church building was constructed in 1926 at the corner of Bolton Avenue and Murray Street, and it was the rector, Dr. William Slack, who designed and supervised the installation of the windows. The glass depicts a historical sequence, from the ministry of Jesus, to the life of James, to the evolution of the church in history, including the American colonies. Windows were designed by the Jacoby Glass Company, St. Louis.
According to Arnetta Gravier, "nineteenth-century excavations in the Middle East uncovered colored glass pieces believed to have been made as early as 1400 B.C. Glass was used for vessels and ornaments until the Romans used glass in an architectural context. Decorative glass windows appeared in churches at an early date."
This from the Rev. Slack: "Rarely does it happen that it is possible to supply at one time all the windows necessary to fill the openings. It may be of interest to record the cost of the windows - $13,500...Because it was all done [planned] at one time, there is a harmony that is found in these windows which is extremely unusual."
Our Newest Stained Glass Window in Celebration of our Centennial!
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To celebrate and honor the 2026 Centennial of the fourth and current church building of St. James Episcopal Church Parish, the Vestry and people of St. James entered into a contract with the renowned American stained glass artisan company, Willet Stained Glass Studios in July of 2023 to design, create and install a new window, which finds its inspiration in A Song of Creation (Canticle 1) from Morning Prayer.
Our centennial stained glass window was created ahead of schedule and installed in July of 2025. Bishop Owensby will formally accept and consecrate the window to the glory of God in January of 2026 – one hundred years after the cornerstone was laid. |
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