St. Luke's United Methodist Church — Sanctuary Showcase

St. Luke’s sanctuary abounds with symbolism and history as reflected in the colorful windows and needlepoint images.

The stained glass art memorializes early members and friends of the church...

...as it enhances our awareness of the sacred purpose of this building.

At the top of each window, the Cross and Crown, similar to the design on the center pulpit chair, remind us of the Cross of Christ and the Crown of Eternal Life promised to those who follow Christ.

Close-up of the Cross and Crown

Each side window includes a unique picture, along with a memorial caption.

Stone Tablets — Mr. E. G. Rubin
Tree and Serpent — Mrs. E. L. Calhoun

Stone Tablets reflect the Ten Commandments.

The Tree and Serpent remind us of the Garden of Eden.

Memorial:
The Hand with a Halo — S.A.D. Greaves
A Vine with Grapes — Julia Fondren Greaves

The Hand with a Halo represents the Hand of God.

A Vine with Grapes demonstrates the Unity of the Church.

Memorial:
A Sheaf of Wheat — Mamie Lancaster
The Ark of the Covenant — Mr. & Mrs. T. O. Runnels

A Sheaf of Wheat recalls the Bread of Life.

The Ark of the Covenant signifies the Presence of God.

Memorial:
A Broken Chain — The Ladies Bible Class

A Broken Chain symbolizes the shackles of sin broken by the Power of God.

Memorial:
The Ship — Rev. T. O. Prewitt

The Ship represents the Church.

Memorial:
The Phoenix — Robert & Velma Rodgers
The Crown — Alexander Miller Todd, Sr.

The Phoenix embodies the Resurrection.

The Crown serves as a symbol of authority and a remembrance of the reward of the faithful in life after death.

Memorial:
The Chalice — Mr. & Mrs. L. E. Myers
The Budded Cross — Janie Turner

The Chalice, also illustrated on two pulpit chairs, represents faith and worship.

The trefoil design of the Budded Cross reminds us of the Trinity and the Crucifixion.

Memorial:
A Dove — The E. D. Fondren Family
The Open Bible — The D. F. Fondren Family

A Dove symbolizes the Holy Spirit.

The Open Bible reveals the Word of God available to all.

The East Wing of the sanctuary contains four additional windows.
Memorial:
The Star of Epiphany — Major R. W. Millsaps
The Burning Bush — Mary F. Millsaps

The Star of Epiphany recalls the time that the Christ Child was shown to the Wise Men.

The Burning Bush memorializes the call of Moses, who recognized God speaking to him.

Memorial:
Noah's Ark — Bishop Lloyd Degell
The Easter Lily — Dr. Henry Flowers

Noah's Ark reminds us of the Flood and also symbolizes the church, as the Ark is where all living creatures found refuge from danger.

The Easter Lily signifies immortality. The bulb decays in the ground, yet from it new life is released.

The focal point behind the pulpit...

...is a large portrait of Jesus Christ, given in memory of Mrs. Mamie Gray Cook Greaves by her husband in 1949. In this depiction, Christ’s arms are extended with open hands, welcoming us to worship, beckoning “Come unto me.”