Bill DiTirro, Trinity Docent
The stained glass windows of Trinity, stunning examples of the finest craftsmanship available in their time, have stood as a visible legacy of our forbearers’ faith and hopes for generations to come. For almost 120 years they have not only illuminated the stories of the Bible, but they have drawn us into a deeper understanding of our faith.
During the season of Lent, we take an honest look at our lives. We acknowledge our mistakes, seek God’s forgiveness, and prepare for a renewed life in the risen Christ. We are called upon to renew and transform by: practicing prayer to deepen our relationship with God; giving alms as an expression of our belief in God’s justice and mercy; and fasting to instill discipline, self-control and a reliance on God for strength. To guide us in these practices we need only look to the Chapel’s beautiful stained glass windows.
In the Roberts window (the southernmost E. 22nd Street window) we find the words of Matthew 25:35-6, “Hungry and Ye Fed Me” and “Naked and Ye Clothed Me.” These messages are illustrated by two women performing these acts of charity and speak directly to our Lenten practice of giving alms.
This window dates to the mid to late 1800s and was taken from Old Trinity. It memorializes Ansel Roberts, a longtime vestryman and warden, and his wife Sarah Hatch Roberts. The designer of the window is unknown.
In the Clark window (northernmost E. 22nd Street window) we see Mary holding a text stating, “Mary Hath Chosen That Good Part” (Luke 10:42), and Martha carrying a basket of fruit suggesting the active life. Mary’s focus on “that good part”—her desire to grow in spirit—directly contrasts with Martha’s focus on daily activities. Lent is a time to lessen the importance of our daily routine and focus on creating a path to a closer relationship with God. Panels below the women depict Jesus at the home of Mary (Luke 10:38) and the raising of Lazarus (John 11:43). The words, “Whosoever Liveth and Believeth in Me Shall Never Die” (John 11:26) divide the two parts of this window. These words direct our Lenten meditations to our hope of resurrection in Christ through faith.
The Clark window memorializes Robert Clark, vestryman and junior warden and his wife Julia Wick Clark. Designed by noted American artist, Charles Connick, the bold coloring, symbolic rather than natural figures, and glowing light is typical of the Chartres style of windows and contrasts with the painted style of the Roberts and Shelly windows. A recent 2025 restoration of this window revitalized the previously-dulled colors so they once again glow in the afternoon sunlight.
In the Shelley window (middle E. 22nd Street window) we see the words, “Fruit of the Spirit is Faith” and “Fruit of the Spirit is Gentleness” (Galatians 5:22-3). These virtues are represented by the actions of two women. They call us to live our faith and instruct us that our reward (fruit) will be the hope of righteousness (faith) and the joy of gentleness derived from service to others. As we pray our Lenten journey, we develop, through closer relationship with God, an ability to let go of our own desires and learn to live in spirit with others (gentleness), being more patient, more humble, more cognizant of others’ needs, and gaining fulfillment through these acts.
Little is known about this window other than it dates to the mid to late 1800s and was taken from Old Trinity. It is enamel painted and fired onto glass.
As you reflect upon these windows, you may notice discoloration and deterioration. Our forebearers gifted these windows to us. It is now our privilege and responsibility to do the same for future generations by protecting these legacies of our past. Vestry is embarking upon a campaign to reverse this deterioration and needs your help. Please consider a donation to the capital campaign.