Stained Glass Windows

Judson Studio of Pasadena designed and created the three windows above the altar. Installed when the church was built in 1927, they cost $1,500 and by 1993 were valued at $50,000.

The windows feature several interesting symbols. The center window includes “Luther’s Coat of Arms.”

The Centurions are seen below Jesus. They are mentioned in Matthew 8: 5-13 and Luke 7:1-10, “The centurion on seeing what happened praised God and said surely this was a righteous man.” (Luke 23:47)

The centurion’s words of faith surprised Jesus, who made the prophetic statement that the centurion is only one of the many like him who would come to sit at the Messianic feast with the patriarchs; while the “sons of the kingdom” shall sit in utter darkness and bitter sorrow.” By the time of Matthew’s gospel, this prophecy of Jesus was already being fulfilled. The final words of Jesus affirmed to the centurion that, “As thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee.” (Matthew 8:13.)

Given by Mr. and Mrs. Henry G. Moeller at the founding of the church in 1927.

Henry (1885-1967) and Agnes (1883-1962) came to Santa Monica in the early 1920s from Chicago, Illinois with their three sons: Henry Jr., Warren, and William. In the 1930s, Henry and Agnes built the Moeller Murphy and Moeller Mortuary on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica. The Moeller family were charter members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Henry served several terms on the church council. Agnes helped organize the women's group. The Moeller family generously supported St. Paul's.

In 1960, as part of a 35th Anniversary project, protective glass was installed to prevent breakage. However, this resulted in a reduction in their brilliance.

As Jesus approached Jericho a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When the blind man heard the crowd, he asked what was happening. They told him Jesus of Nazareth is passing by. He called out, “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me.”  Jesus stopped and asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”  “Lord, I want to see” he replied. Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight, your faith has healed you.” (Luke18: 35-43)

Given in memory of Marie Schlosstein Lindmueller by her daughter Mary Lindmueller Sloman Mogen, December 1971.

Marie Schlosstein was born on August 16,1880 in St. Louis, Missouri, and married George Lindmueller on February 22,1908. At the age of sixteen, George went into the tobacco business with his father. Marie sang professionally for small groups and churches and loved music, especially opera.

Mary Mogen was the only child of Marie and George. Mary was born in Cleveland, Ohio. The family moved to Santa Monica and joined St. Paul's on Easter Sunday 1943. Marie was an active member of the Lutheran Church Women and the sewing group. She died in 1971 in Santa Monica.

This memorial window was last repaired in October 1993, at which time the latch was repaired, and the window vent was straightened. It was also cleaned and waterproofed.

The baptism of Jesus took place when Jesus went from Galilee to Jordan to be baptized by John. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending and lighting on him. A voice from heaven said, “This is my son whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3: 13,16-17.) 

Given in memory of George Leutell by his daughters Diane and Jane Leutell in November 1971.

George Henry Leutell was born in Santa Monica in 1918 where he attended local schools and later studied engineering. On September 7, 1946, George married Carol Farley. They had two daughters, Diane and Janet. George was a buyer for the City of Santa Monica and served as an army staff sergeant in Okinawa during World War II.

In 1993 the window required little repair and was cleaned and waterproofed.

This window reflects Psalm 23 and John 10: 27-28: “My sheep listen to my voice, I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life…No one can snatch them out of my hand.”

Given in honor and memory of Frieda Marsden by her husband Glenn Marsden in July 1969.

Frieda Strohlbusch was born in 1904 in Cambridge, Wisconsin. In 1928 Frieda married Glenn Marsden at Saint James Lutheran Church in Cambridge. Glenn and Frieda moved to Santa Monica in 1948 with their three children and joined St. Paul's where she participated in women's groups and often played piano for them. Frieda Marsden died in 1969.

In 1993, this window was removed, bowing corrected, waterproofed, and re-installed.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into his house and eat with him, and he will eat with Me.” (Revelation 3:20.)

Given in memory of Frieda Marsden by Glenn Marsden in July 1969.

In 1993, the window was removed to straighten multiple bows and to waterproof.

People were bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked him, but Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth: anyone who will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Luke18:15 -18)

Given by Mr. Glenn Marsden, October 1969

Glenn Marsden was born on a farm in Wisconsin circa1905. In 1945, as sales manager for Safeway Steel Products, he traveled throughout the United States. Then, in 1948, he accepted a promotion and moved to Santa Monica. He brought with him Frieda, his wife, and their three children Eugene, Jack, and Sally. The family joined St. Paul's in 1948. Glenn was dedicated to St. Paul's and one of his first projects was to have the inside of the church painted. Since the treasury had only $68.12, Glenn raised money for the painting. He next obtained a donation of carpeting and raised money to have the exterior re-painted. Through Glenn's leadership, all stained-glass windows along the North and South were designed, fabricated, and installed. He located donors for each window.

In 1993 the window was found to have several bows. It was removed, straightened, waterproofed, and replaced.

This window depicts the Birth of Jesus. “While they were there the time for the baby to be born came and she gave birth to her first-born son. “She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in the manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2: 1-8.)

Given by Glen Marsden in October 1969 and when restored in 1993 added the words “in honor of his wife, Juva Marsden.”

Juva Hyre was born in La Grange, Indiana. Juva graduated from school as a dental assistant and married Dr. Ross Marsden, an orthodontist in Madison, Wisconsin. Juva assisted her husband in his practice but unfortunately Dr. Marsden died suddenly.

 Juva was the second wife of Glenn Marsden. After their marriage, Juva became a member of St. Paul's and was an active member of the Altar Guild, the Greeting Committee, and the Women of the Church group. Juva was also member of the Santa Monica Hospital Medical Center auxiliary and served on its board.

Mary and Joseph went back to Jerusalem to look for Jesus. After three days they found him in the temple court sitting among the teachers listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”  “Why were you searching for me?” Jesus asked, “Didn't you know I had come to be in my Father's house?” (Luke 2:45-50)

Given in memory of George C. Lesch by his widow Jenny Hayes in March 1970

George C. Lesch was born on December 3, 1893, in Chicago, Illinois. George served in the United States army in France during World War I. In 1923, George and his bride, Jenny Carlson, moved to Santa Monica where they joined St. Paul's Lutheran Church at its inception. George and Jenny had two daughters Charlotte Lesch Bayer Hanson and Georgia Lesch Henry. George was an active member of St. Paul's and served on council, as an usher, and money counter. With the Men's Brotherhood, he assisted with minor repairs on the church. George died in1948.

Immediately Jesus made the disciples go into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on the mountain side by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat was already a considerable distance from land. During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It's a ghost” they said and cried out in fear, but Jesus immediately said to them “Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14:22-28)

Given in memory of K.C. Hayes by his widow Jennie Hayes, March 1970.

Kenneth C. Hayes was born in Glynwood, Ohio on August 4, 1888. At an early age he moved with his family to California. During World War I, he served in the army motor transport corporation in France. Returning home, he settled in Taft, California where he began a career with Standard Oil. After Hayes' first wife passed away sometime in the 1940s, he moved to Santa Monica and joined St. Paul’s in October 1949. Later that year he married Jenny Carlson Lesch, widow of charter member George Lesch. Known by all as “KC,” he served on St Paul’s stewardship and evangelism committees. He died in1961.

In 1993 the vent section was removed for repairs. The upper section was cleaned and waterproofed.

This window shows Jesus appearing in the clouds and his disciples looking on. “But you will be filled when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.” And when he had said this as they were looking on, He was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. (Acts1:8-9)

Given in memory of James P. Dunn by his wife, Loris Dunn, November 1969.

James P. Dunn was born circa 1880. With his business partner, Mr. Parson, Dunn owned Dupar’s Restaurants. Jim was a member of St. Paul's since 1956 and served on the council. He was known for his sense of humor and generosity. He died in1960.

This window was removed in 1993. A portion was re-leaded, then waterproofed and replaced. Additional bars were added for support.

The picture of Jesus in his bright red robe and blue mantle makes a striking contrast which brings the figure of Jesus closer to us. With outstretched hands Jesus calls to us and says, “Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11: 28)

Given in memory of James P. Dunn by his wife, Loris Dunn, November 1969.

In 1993 the window was removed and restored the bows in the window were straightened and the window was waterproofed.

Jesus said a man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the road, saw the man, and passed by. A Levite also passed by, but a Samaritan travelled to where the man was and took pity on him. He went to the man, bandaged his wounds, put him on his own donkey, and took him to an inn. Jesus asked, “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” They answered, “the man who showed mercy.” Jesus told them, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke10: 30-38)

Given in memory of Glenn Jackson by Mrs. Glenn Jackson (Adelia) in April 1970.

Glenn Jackson was born in Erie, Pennsylvania in 1888. Tragically, all his siblings and mother passed away, leaving Glenn an orphan at seven years old. Glenn came to California at the age of 20. Glenn married Adelia (1900 - 1988) in Warren, Pennsylvania. They had one child, Margaret Jackson Sturtezant, who was confirmed and married at St. Paul's.

Glenn built the building located at 14th and Wilshire, started a grocery store, and was employed by Helms Bakery. After joining St. Paul's, he served on church council and as Superintendent of the Sunday school at a time when 300 children were enrolled with an average Sunday attendance 200. He died in 1970.

This window depicts the races of little children who were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. The disciples rebuked those who brought the children, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”  (Matthew 19:13-16).

Given in memory of William Swoyer by his wife, Mrs. William Swoyer (Amy) in April 1970.

Amy and Bill Swoyer were both members of the choir and both taught Sunday school. Bill served on the church council and was a member of the Lutheran Brotherhood. Amy was a leader in the Women of the Church. She died in 1982.

in 1993, the window was removed and restored after being straightened and waterproofed. Additional bars were also added.

NOTE: In the original window, the black child was the only child in the scene portrayed as naked. Thanks to the donation of a visiting mother (with a black child), the window was re-designed in the early 2000’s. The black child is now clothed.

This panel depicts Jesus in the garden kneeling and praying to his father. He prays, “Father, my Father, all things are possible with You. Take this cup away from me. Not what I want, but what You want.” (Mark14:36)

Given in honor of Sarah Swenson by her children Betty, Leonard, Chester, and Thelma Swanson Bettis in May 1970.

Sarah Swenson was born in Norway in 1887. She came with her parents to America and settled in Minnesota. In 1913 Sarah married Mr. Swanson in Grand Forks, North Dakota. She graduated from Moorhead State Teachers College and taught school. At St. Paul’s she served as president of the Ladies Aide and was also a Sunday school teacher. Sarah attended Dorcas Guild, making blankets and pinky puppets. She died in 1972.

in 1993, the casement window was removed, re-leaded and straightened.

After the Sabbath was over Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of Jesus, and Salome brought sweet spices to anoint the body of Jesus, but the tomb was empty. (Mark16:1)

The window is unusual as no faces are seen. All the other windows in the church show facial features. Here, the women are looking into the empty tomb for Jesus.

Given in memory of Agnes and Henry Moeller by their son and daughter-in-law Bill and Clara Moeller in June of 1970.

The window was inspected in 1992 and found to have multiple bows. It was removed and straightened, cleaned, and waterproofed. It was replaced in 1993.

One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched. In front of him was a man's suffering from dropsy. Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in the law, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?” but they remained silent. So, taking hold of the man, he healed him and sent him away. (Luke 14: 1-5)

Given in memory of Dr. Harry R. Morrow, by his wife, Cora Morrow, in April 1970.

 Dr. Henry Morrow was born in 1892 in Athen Ville, Illinois. Cora was born in 1892, in Chicago. Dr. Morrow graduated from the school of dentistry and opened an office in Chicago. Cora worked in his office as manager and accountant and the two eventually married. After Dr. Morrow retired in 1958, they moved to Santa Monica and joined St. Paul's. Dr. Morrow died December 4,1970. Cora continued to be active in the women's groups at the church. She was a volunteer at Santa Monica Hospital and contributed money for the Chapel at Santa Monica Hospital and left the church a large bequest (that eventually became the Mission and Ministry Fund). She died in January 1992.

Jesus performed many miracles during his ministry on earth. In this window the artist shows Jesus blessing the food to feed the multitude of people, in groups of hundreds, who had followed him. Jesus took five loaves and two fish and looking to heaven he blessed them, gave thanks, broke the five loaves, and divided the two fish and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. All ate and all were satisfied. (Mark 6:39-43)

Given in memory of Burt Wilberg by his daughter, Estelle Wilberg in 1971.

Burt Wilberg was a member of the church council and served as treasurer. He died on March 17, 1970.

In 1993 the window was removed, straightened, cleaned, and waterproofed with additional bars added.

All four windows, in the upper chancel, feature a golden medallion cross in the upper sections. Each cross is made of fused glass with a border insert.

One window has a gold Chalice made of fused glass. Martin Luther describes the benefits received in the Lord's supper as “forgiveness of sin, life and salvation.” “He took the cup, gave thanks then gave it to them and they all drank from it. This is my blood of the covenant which is poured out for many.” (Mark 23:24)

The interlocking three circles are a symbol of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The reclining white lamb is Christ, our perfect sacrifice, the Passover Lamb. John the Baptist saw Jesus for the first time and said, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1: 29)

The butterfly has long symbolized resurrection and eternal life. Its stages reflect Christian hope: the larva represents earthly human life, the chrysalis suggests the body laid in the grave, and the butterfly signifies the glorified body in eternal life.

Mr. T.C. Taylor designed and created the windows. Mr. Taylor had a studio in Pacific Palisades and he retired in 1990.

Given in memory of their parents, Emil and Hilma Ikola and George and Amelia Gunerman and sister Helen Stolie by George and Peggy Gunerman Ikola in 1976.

Peggy Gutterman and George Ikola were married in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the late 1930s or 1940 before they moved to Santa Monica and joined St. Paul's. George was an engineer for the Douglas Aircraft factory and served on church council. Both taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. Peggy was president of the United Lutheran Women and together, the Ikolas participated in civic projects.

The window has a medallion cross made of fused glass with a border insert of red and blue. The lower part featured a Quatrefoil, the symbol of the gospel writers, and the circle within the Greek letters of Alpha and Omega. The bright yellow fused glass proclaims: “Our beginning and end is with Christ.”

The creator of the window was T. C. Taylor.

Given in memory of F. Neil Newkirk by his wife, Beverly Welker Newkirk (later Goodman) and their two children, Neil, and Joanna in 1976.

Neil was born in 1929 in Shelbina, Missouri. Neil served in the Korean War. After graduating from Kansas University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering, Hughes Aircraft employed him. Neil and Beverly and their two children were members of St. Paul's since 1960. Neil died in 1974.

Designed by T. C. Taylor in 1976, this fused-glass window features a cross with a Quatrefoil design, a symbol of the Gospel writers. The Greek letters Alpha and Omega appear within the Quatrefoil.

Given in honor of Velma Elm Anderson by her children in 1976.

Velma Elm was born March 23, 1903, in Pennsylvania. After graduating from college, she taught school. Velma married John Anderson in Pennsylvania, and their eight children were born there. In 1956, the family moved to Santa Monica. Velma and John were active members of St. Paul’s. For many years, Velma owned and operated a nursery school in Santa Monica. She died in 1986.

Velma’s daughter, Treva, and her husband, Harry Thorton, had two children, Monica and Mark. All were members of St. Paul’s until 1991.

This triptych was the last stained-glass window to be installed in 2009. It was designed by Judson Studios and is dedicated to Gertrude Miles who left it as a testamentary gift of her will. The windows depict the Christ’s saving death on the cross as the two Mary’s gaze upon him. An angel awaits overhead. The Words “God So Loved the World” are from the gospel verse that speaks to us of the ultimate victory over death awaiting each believer. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).

Given to the glory of God as a testamentary bequest from the estate of Gertrude F. Miles

Gertrude Frances “Gertie” Miles originally came from Connecticut with her husband and settled in Santa Monica. After their divorce, she worked as manager of the local Greyhound Bus Station. Gertie joined St. Paul’s on Palm Sunday,1984. At St. Paul’s she was an active member of the Altar Guild, Women of the ELCA, and the Dorcas Sewing Circle. She took considerable pride in serving as the “curator” of the Chrismons and assisted with office tasks such as mailings and bulletins until her death in June 2008 at the age of 95 years.