Centuries ago, before Bibles and books of religious instruction were widely available, and before literacy itself was common, church architects designed their churches to tell the Gospel story. Interior space itself would be in the shape of a cross. Statues and other artwork would tell congregants about the works of God and about the saints who had gone before them.
Grace Presbyterian Church carried on that tradition. No, we don’t have statues or stations of the cross. But our nave (the main part of the sanctuary space) is in the shape of a cross. The side walls don’t go straight from the narthex to the chancel (where the pulpit and choir loft are). The cross-piece extends to the stained glass window on the left and to the folding-door wall on the right.
We also had the Gospel (Nativity, Crucifixion, Raising of Lazarus) told in the three large stained-glass panels on the west, north, and east sides of the church, respectively. In a future article we hope to have a more detailed description of the characters and stories featured in each panel. For now, we have photos.
How will the Gospel story be told in a rebuilt church building? In sermon, story, and song to be sure. In stained glass or some other works of art? Only God knows at this moment. We trust God that in whatever ways we can we will be able to tell that story for many years to come.