Pine City Baptist Church
1516 Pennsylvania Ave
PO Box 425
Pine City, NY 14871
United States
ph: 607-734-8384
Overseeing the Window Project
Through the centuries, communication has taken several forms. In earliest days, gestures were used, then pictures. Eventually language developed and more and more people learned to read and write. First, it was words on stones and skins, then crude paper, finally the printed page and now electronic technology. In this modern communication day, however, we have rediscovered the effectiveness of the visual arts in communication. Often, pictures speak louder than words. Our prayer is that God will speak to you through the artistic renderings of these Biblical passages.
In searching for a theme that would bring unity to the project when it was first conceived, the Board of Deacons decided on "The Parables of the Bible," using "parable" in its broadest sense to include story, metaphor, simile and other picture language inherent in the ancient Jewish literature and culture. We made a special effort to include samples from all sections of the Bible to send the signal that we were a church that cherished the entire canon of Scripture. The Board of Deacons worked with each family in the selection and depiction of the Biblical text. We are forever indebted to those whose lives inspired this beauty and to family members who shared those lives with us all. They left us with a visual taste of glory.
The Board of Deacons circa 1964 (?)
Click to see each full image.
The Church's Window"In memory of all the faithful members from the beginning."The Board of Deacons commissioned this window to honor the faithful members of this church since it's 1854 beginnings. We would not be here without their faith, vision, and sacrifice. The plow and the furrows indicate the work that our forbearers did to clear the land and plant seeds of faith and witness. The divine hand reaching down has alwasys been and still is our strength, shield and direction. the rich earth in the valley between the hills is a true picture of Pine City with its streams and woods provided by God. In this blessed setting, the church was built by those who desired to worship here. The rich life of the church today, depicted by the full heads of grain, is possible because seeds have fallen into the ground and germinated. The soil line represents the division between past and present. With God's help, and our commitment, the seeds we plant today will yield a rich harvest for years to come.~~The Deacon Board
The Andrews WindowThe BridgeThe Children of Leon and Marie Andrews, Raymond, Duane, and Eloise Gage, and their families, had the window created in honor of them, and of the Andrews Family, who were active in the Pine City Baptist Church in the past.Leon was the son of Frank and Belle Curren-Andrews, early settlers on the Dry Run Road. Leon sang in the church choir. Arden, youngest son of Leon and Marie, now deceased was married in the church. A pew was purchased in his memory. We thought the bridge in the window depicted crossing from one life to another.~~The Andrews Family
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The George Burt & Louise Burt Window"The Eternal Garden"As you leave the sanctuary you are invited into God's garden through the opening in the garden fence. The Burt window reminds us of God's continuing presence and work in creation. The garden scene is filled with color and life under a dogwood canopy. Each dogwood blossom contains two symbols of God's love, the heart-shaped petals and the central cross. The bluebird, long a symbol of contentment, promises peace to those who enter the garden and walk in communion with God. In such a place, one is never alone, hope is reborn, and memories never die. May our every exit from the sanctuary be an entrance into this paradise.~~ Mary Burt
The George & Ina Carpenter Window"Rural Springtime"This scene is typical of rural springtime with its sudden showers, plowed fields, bright colors and changing sky. The barn is similar to the "Hayloft" which George & Ida owned, first as a cow barn and then as a safe place for teens to meet and dance. George was a farmer in his earlier years and then became Southport Town Supervisor. The verse from II Samual 23 reflects his dependence upon God in his role as a community leader. The blessings of such God inspired leadership are pictured in the freshness of a sunrise after a spring rain. Everything is ready for new life to emerge. Going only from the verse selection, the artist has accurately protrayed the life of the Carpenters whose Pine City farm has become a community of caring people.~~ The family of George & Ina Carpenter
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The Chet & Millie Clark Window"Emerging Light"The verse on the window says, "You are my lamp O' Lord. The Lord turns my darkness into Light. --II Samuel 22:29The location plays a part for the theme of the window. Being on the east side of the church, the sunrise comes in through the window, indicating a new dawn. The lamp, with a small flame burning, indicates the night is almost over and a new day is at hand. A light spring snow on the fence and the birch tree instead of a heavy winter snow signals the end of the darkness of winter. The light pastels of a sunrise just beginning over the hills and the end of the oil in the lamp could be symbols of leaving behind the darkness of sin and entering the light of life in Christ as the words of the verse indicate.~~ Chet & Millie Clark
The Carl Draxler Window"The Birds of the Air"This was one of the earliest windows completed. Placed next to the Ham window, the theme slection was a natural choice to complete the Jewish parable on worry. The birds of the air became an object lesson for Jesus to show that God is in control and cares for His own so we don't need to worry about life. This truth is evident in this window since this theme and artist's interpretation produced a most appropriate picture of Carl Draxler's life. He was a lover of nature and especially fond of the cardinal which is so prominent in the window. God was certainly in control of this memorial just as Jesus stated in the text. Without much earthly guidance, the picture accurately represents Carl's life.~~ The Family and Friends of Carl Drexler
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The Robert Greaves Window"The Lost Sheep"This window is located in the Pastor's study. The story told by the Apostle John in the tenth chapter of his Godspel captures the mataphor of Jesus declaring himsef to the the Shepherd of mankind, that is, as many as accept him as their shepher. It pictures this tender and committed love and care of his people. A pastor is to carry out the spirit of Christ among the people he is called to serve. Therefore, it is appropriate that the window picturing Christ the Shepherd was placed in the pastor's study. For me, the study caries many tender and loving memories serving the flock of God's people at Pine City from 1960-1966.~~ Robert Greaves
The Gordon & Prudence Ham Window"The Carefree Lillies"Our window, in memory of our parents, Gordon & Prudence Ham, was the first to be installed in our Church. Before this could be done, we had to present our plans to the Congregation for permission to change the decor of the church. Some were skeptical that no others would follow, but we had faith that once our window was installed, others would see how it beautified the sanctuary and that other windows would follow.A lot of thought went into the design of the window. Our parents enjoyed the farm life, growing crops and flowers and the beauty of nature. The window in their memory shows their love of hte land and of God. It warms our hearts to see all of hte beautiful windows that honor or are in memory of loved ones of our congregation and friends.~~ Clarimont C. Ham, Joyce H. Barnes, Sharon H. Tolbert
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The Duane "Butch" Stiles Window"The Good Shepherd"Our family had this window developed in memory of Duane "Butch" Stiles, a loving husband, father and grandfather. It depicts the Twenty-Third Psalm which was Butch's favorite of all one hundred and fifty Psalms. Represented in the creation, among other things, are pastures, water and a valley which reminds us of Butch's great love of the outdoors and nature. Coinciding with symbols that brought great joy in his life was the driving force in its production. We hope all will enjoy it. God Bless.~~ The Stiles Family
The Howard & Emma Stage Window"The Tree of Life"The Stage Window, given to the Pine City Baptist Church in loving memory of our mother Emma and in honor of our father Howard was the culmination of a dream. While the design was not ours, but one previously suggested, it truly is a strong representation of our parent's faith and a wonderful depiction of a faith toward which we as believers continually strive.Mom & Dad's roots of faith were deeply planted under the influence of evangelist friends Curt & Eleanor Wetzel during the early years of their marriage. A faith that sustained them through World War II, bankruptcy from a failed venture, 5 kids and finally the serious illness that took Mom's life. In the final years, Mom endrued her illness with grace, dignity and peace because of her complete confidence and trust in the Lord."But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and has made the Lord his hope and confidence. He is like a tree planted along a riverbank, with its roots reaching deep into the water - a tree neither bothered by heat nor worried by long months of drought. Its leaves stay green and it goes right on producing all its luscious fruit." -Jeremiah 17:7-8~~ Sally Stage Lincoln, Howard Stage II, Terry Stage, Lucinda Stage Evans, Joycelyn Stage Bermingham
Pine City Baptist Church
1516 Pennsylvania Ave
PO Box 425
Pine City, NY 14871
United States
ph: 607-734-8384