The Art and Architecture of
Saint James Episcopal Church, Lancaster, PA

The following are descriptions and background information about a selection of some of the fine stained glass windows and memorials that decorate the walls of the long-standing church at Duke and Orange Streets in the historic City of Lancaster.

Below are descriptions of the images and titles seen above as interactive “hotspots” within the panorama view of the inside of the Church. The details and direct quotes below are from The History of St. James’ Church, 1744-1944 by H.M.J. Klein and William F. Diller, published by the Church in 1944, Appendix E, pages 278-286. Additional data from Saint James Church, 1945-1970 and 1970-1994.

You are invited to visit our church in person and experience all of the art and architecture that this church has to share.

Beginning with the front left stained glass window and proceeding to the right:

Gloria In Excelsis - The Nauman Window by Louis Comfort Tiffany of New York, in honor of Anne Franklin Henderson Nauman (1868-1893).

Angels on the dome ceiling of the apse - Painted c. 1871 by artist and portrait painter Ludwig Reingruber, who was then living in Lancaster. “This fresco, one of the most striking of the church’s decorations, is to this day an inspiration to all worshipers in Saint James.” Restored in 1961.

Peace and Holy Oil - Two of the many colorful Chancel Tiles, presented by the Church School in1916. Manufactured by eminent archeologist Henry Chapman Mercer, Doylestown, PA, many of the tiles were copied from the designs of old stove plates and represent scriptural scenes and general virtues.

Main Altar - Installed c. 1870, was included in a number of improvements during the rectorship of Edward Shippen Watson (1869-1877), according to plans of Charles M. Burns of Philadelphia. Overall improvements included the construction of the chancel, pavement, and repairs to the parsonage, furnace and organ. Cost: $8,329.

Angel with Lilies – a Tiffany window in memory of Samuel H. Reynolds (1832-1889) and Mary F. Reynolds (1838-1896).

The Crucifixion – By Jacob Eichholtz. Believed to have been painted in 1815. In memory of Anna Mary, daughter of the artist and wife of Lancaster County Sheriff David “Dare Devil Dave” Miller. Presented by Helen Miller Wellens and her father William E. Miller in 1915.

For Behold I Bring You Tidings of Great Joy - In memory of M. S. Mira Lloyd Kauffman, January 29, 1872, Aged 14 years.

Memorial to William Augustus Muhlenberg (1795-1877), Co-Rector 1820-1826.

The Risen Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene. Inscribed: Alexander Laws Hayes, 1793-1875.

Archangel Michael - Inscribed: “Go Thy Way, Thy Son Liveth.” Given on Easter Sunday, 1882 along with the window below of young Jesus in the Temple, by Harriet Lane Johnston, niece of President James Buchanan, in memory of her son, James Buchanan Johnston (1866-1881). The face of Michael “depicts the features of the donor’s son.”

Young Jesus in the Temple - A window “…portrayed with great artistic skill,” was given by Harriet Lane Johnston and her husband, Henry E. Johnston, on Easter Day, 1882, along with the Archangel Micheal window, after the death of their son, who died in his 15th year in 1881.

One Thing is Needful - This window and the one below, titled: “To Thee All Angels Cry Aloud,” were presented by educator Newton Lightner in memory of his wife Anna A. Hopkins, who died April 11, 1886 at age 86. The lower window depicts Martha and Mary each waiting on Jesus in her own way. The upper widow “portrays an angel glad in purple raiment.”

Memorial to Rev. Joseph Clarkson, M.A. during whose tenure the main church building was erected in 1820 on the site of the old stone church from the mid-18th century.

Saint James, Church Patron and Saint Cecelia, Patroness of Music, installed in 1994 in the rear, or west wall and dedicated that year as part of the Church’s 250th Anniversary.

Ascension of Christ – There is no inscription on this window, nor does the Church history indicate the date of its installation or its donor. “The figure of Saint Peter with his key is noteworthy.”

John P. McCaskey Memorial dedicated to the indomitable educator and community leader who served as a vestryman for 68 of his 98 years.

Suffer Little Children - Presented 1884 in memory of Miss Margaret Markee (b. 1830 – d. 1875) by her pupils in the parish school. Inscribed: “Teacher Loving and Loved, Blessing and Blessed.”

Jesus the Good Shepherd - The Grubb Window, originally installed in memory of iron manufacturer Clement Brooke Grubb, who died in 1889. Dates of the deaths of an additional six members of the notable family are listed.