Trip to St. Olaf College

One of my pastors recently took me to St. Olaf College ("the shining beacon on the hill"), where our primary destination was Boe Memorial Chapel. It's a stunning space that has some of the most fascinating stained-glass windows I've ever seen, particularly for the uniqueness of their subjects.

Here's a broad view of the chapel. I heard a tour guide say the flags represent every country from which a St. Olaf student comes, or where a St. Olaf student currently is (big study-abroad program there).

The chancel window depicts the resurrection of Christ and includes a portrayal of the institution of the Lord's Supper that flows off the window and into the chapel itself.





Closer view of the chancel. The organ console controls the organ in the chancel as well as the one in the balcony.





View from the chancel looking toward the back of the chapel. The rear window depicts the transfiguration and the New Jerusalem.





Along one side of the chapel the biblical story is told in the windows, from creation to crucifixion, with the resurrection depicted in the chancel window. On the other side is the history of the church, from Pentecost to the Reformation to Lutheranism in North America.

This window is "Promise," showing several Old Testament stories, including the flood, the promise to Abraham, and the giving of the law.





This window depicts Jesus' miracles.





Pre-Reformation Christian history, including St. Olaf himself, symbolizing the spread of Christianity into Northern Europe.





The Reformation era, including Martin Luther nailing the 95 Theses to the door and standing at the Diet of Worms.





Perhaps I've found an supplement to the Cathedral of St. Paul as a good place for prayer and contemplation. I certainly wouldn't mind studying those windows further.