August 26, 2026

Wednesday Word . . . Window Stories: South Nave – Front

The south wall of the nave (on the left as you enter the church) has three windows. Like last week's window, the front window is unusual in that it doesn't depict a biblical image or story. Instead it has a bible verse and dedication.

The bible verse is Proverbs 31:28 – Her Children Arise Up And Call Her Blessed. The window itself is in memory of W. G. Robinson, Born May 31, 1859, Died March 31, 1889.

According to 100 Years of Worship: 1884 – 1984, this window was given by Mr. & Mrs. W. J. Clarke in memory of her brother William “Billy” Robinson who drowned in a boat accident on Lake Desmet.

The window's image is of several ears of corn on stalks and has the autumn coloring of greens, yellows, and browns of the corn harvest. I don't know why this image was chosen because corn isn't really prevalent in Christian art or symbolism, and Billy was both born and died in the spring. Corn can be a symbol of growth, fertility, abundance, and prosperity, but none of those seem to fit the reason for this window.

You may not have noticed or paid attention to this window since it receives no outside light and is therefore dark most of the time. This is because that particular area behind the window became the parish office when Onderdonk Hall was built.

But for all of the unknowns of this window, it still tells a story. It tells a story of a life lived and ended too soon. It tells the story of a mother loved by her children. It tells the story of a sister who wanted to keep the memory of her brother alive. And it reminds us that, even though not as bright or colorful as the other windows, it is still part of the story of our parish.

We all have faith stories to share. What's yours?

Blessings,

Todd+