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The Crucifixion Window

This window was dedicated to the Glory of God and in memory of Wright Bruce Carney (1853-1921), and Mary Frances Grimes Carney (1856-1962).​

The theme of this sixth window, "Father, Forgive Them," is taken from Luke 23:34, the verse in which Christ asks, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Surely no nobler words have ever been spoken in the face of persecution.

Main Scene:
The figure that appears vigorous in all the other Churchland Baptist Church windows appears here gray and tortured, weighted down with all the sins of the world. Pierced on the cross, Christ wears a double crown - the crown of thorns intended to mock him as King of the Jews, and the flaming crown or garland that signifies martyrdom. Inscribed on the cross are the letters INRI, which stand for the Latin "Jesus Nazarenus Rex Judaeorum," or "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews." Mary, Jesus' mother, and John, the disciple, stand nearby. Pictured also are the sun, moon, and lightning, all symbols of the (un)natural phenomena that occurred at Christ's crucifixion.

Vignettes:
The lower scene depicts the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, the upper a ladder and sponge, symbols of Christ's suffering on the cross.

Upper Roundel:
Depicts Christ's crown of thorns, a principal symbol of the Crucifixion.

Lower Roundel:
Features a cross draped with a cloth, a symbol of Christ's disappearance from the cross.

Diamonds:
Moving clockwise, from bottom left to bottom right, we see:

1. a robe and three lots, symbols of the Roman soldiers' gambling for Christ's clothes
   
2. a lantern, a symbol of betrayal
   
3. a lance, representative of the pierced side of Christ
   
4. a hammer and nail, tools of crucifixion that symbolize Christ's suffering
   
5. a rope, which not only represents the binding of Christ at his trial, but also alludes to Judas' hanging
   
6. a pillar of flagellation, a symbol of Christ's scourging
   
7. a cup with the Passion Cross, a principal symbol of martyrdom and a representation of double agony
   
8. a sword and a torch, symbols of Christ's betrayal by Judas.

Next Window:
​The Resurrection Window