The Remarkable Stained Glass Windows
of St. Augustine
For more than half a century, the parishioners of St. Augustine have worshipped in the tempered light of the church's beautiful array of stained-glass windows. The windows, a defining feature of the church, were made by the Wilbur Burnham Company of Boston and were installed over a year-long period that began in the fall of 1937 and continued almost until the end of 1938. They cost $25,000, and were added to the church during the pastoral stewardship of Monsignor W.P. Crosby.
The Baptism The Raising of Lazarus Each window tells a story. Together they are a colorful celebration of the Catholic faith and reflect the two thousand years of Catholic tradition that have shaped the religious beliefs of the parish family.
View a selection of the Stained Glass that tell the Story of the New Testament.
Above the altar, piercing the high expanse of the wall like jewels, are three small windows, each containing a circle against a backdrop of blue. Each circle symbolizes one of the three Persons of the Blessed Trinity. God the Father is symbolized by a hand, expressing the strength and power of the Creator. God the Son is symbolized by a lamb, recalling the words of John the Baptist: "Behold the Lamb of God." In the third circle a dove soars with wings outspread, symbolizing the Holy Spirit.
Each of the three windows also contains two gothic arches, each of which in turn contains a symbol of sacrament. A baptistry symbolizes the sacrament of Baptism; Confirmation is symbolized by a descending dove; Penance by the "Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven," as it was described by Christ to St. Peter. Anointing of the Sick is shown through a representation of an oil stock, while Holy Orders is represented by the chalice, book and stole that reflect the powers of functions in priesthood. Matrimony is expressed by hands joined in an expression of mutual friendship and fidelity. The lower window, above the altar, symbolizes the Eucharist.
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