Window 17 :: The Apostles - St. Andrew, St. Peter, & St. Philip

Windows 17- 20 are the Windows of the Church. These windows show the shields of the Apostles. Each shield represents an event or verse for which that Apostle is famous. Often with these shields is also a symbol of that Apostle’s martyrdom. As a note, Paul is not here because the Twelve Apostles are a specific group that Paul, who is undoubtedly an apostle, is not a part of.

Taken as a group, these windows usher us into the Age of the Church. Here at the end of the sanctuary are the acts of those who came before us and, with the Holy Spirit, established God’s Church on Earth. Looking farther than this takes us to the back wall of the sanctuary, where the work of the Apostles continues to this day.

Panel 1, 2 - St. Andrew’s Cross and Two Crossed Fish

These panels show the Shield of St. Andrew, which displays the X shaped cross that St. Andrew was crucified on. The two crossed fish represent St. Andrew’s participation in the feeding of the five thousand (Luke 6:9).

Panel 4, 5 - St. Peter’s Shield and an Upside Down Cross

These panels show the crossed keys of the Shield of St. Peter. This is in reference to Christ’s words in Matthew 16:19. The upside cross is reminiscent of how St. Peter was crucified. historically, St. Peter asked to be crucified upside down so that he would not be crucified like Christ.

Panel 7, 8 - St. Philip's Shield and Two Loaves of Bread

These panels display the shield of St. Philip and two loaves of bread, which is in reference to his part in the feeding of the five thousand.