The Windows of Trinity

The East Doors Reflect Courage and Faith

Courage is symbolized by a depiction of Neil Armstrong (1930-), astronaut, the first man to land and walk on the surface of the moon. He is shown on the moon. A rocket and the earth are at his left. Below, an eagle defending its nest is a powerful example of courage. Faith is symbolized by the First Episcopal Bishop of California, William Kip, who served from 1853 to 1893. He is shown on horseback making one of his many visits to Northern California during the days of the California Gold Rush. Included in the design is the state of California and the California poppy. The symbols below include the ancient CHI RHO (Greek monogram for Christ), and ALPHA and OMEGA (the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet). Together they announce Christ, the beginning and the end.

In the center of each door are the seal of the Diocese of California and a symbol of the Trinity. The Diocesan Seal is composed of a bishop's mitre with the Latin words: "Cristo et Sacramento" (Christ and Sacrament); below is a representation of the two Great Sacraments, Baptism (sea shells) and the Holy Communion (chalice and Host). The border contains the words "Sigillum ecclesiae Sancrae Catholicae in Boria California" (The seal of the Holy Catholic Church in Northern California).

These windows were given in memory of Catherine Stair Snyder.