The Windows of Trinity

The Windows in the Nave
(Gospel Side)

The six windows on the Epistle side of the nave recall some of the parables of Jesus, while those on the Gospel side portray his miracles. The lower portion of each window depicts themes relating to Northern California.

Window VI: The Healing of Peter's Mother-in-Law
(Matthew 8:14-15; Mark 1:30-31; Luke 6:4-14; John 1:42)

This is only one of the many examples of Jesus' compassionate response to human need. Upon entering the home of his friend and disciple, Simon Peter, Jesus found Peter's mother-in-law suffering from fever. When Jesus touched her head, the fever left her.

The lower panel focuses on scenes of early life in Northern California. Sutter's Fort, located one block from the Cathedral, was the center of Sacramento in 1849. The California Gold Rush is portrayed by a miner digging for gold. The Transcontinental Railroad is represented by a steam engine reaching its destination in what is now known as "Old Sacramento." As our city grew and flourished, Christ through his Church has continued to reach out in love to the needs of men and women.

This window was given by the Cathedral Congregation.

Window VII: The Healing of the Blind Man
(John 9:1-7)

In this window we see Jesus healing a man who had been blind from birth. Through this miracle, Jesus brings Light to those who sit in darkness. In relating the story, John tells us that Jesus "spat on the ground and made mud with his saliva and spread the mud on the man's eyes, saying to him,'Go, wash in the pool of Siloam.' Then he went and washed and came back able to see."

The healing theme is carried out in the lower panel with a Caduceus, symbol of the healing arts, a physician and a nurse. We are reminded that God uses willing hands and minds as well as the things of this world to heal and restore.

This window is dedicated to the memory of Gordon Andrew MacAulay.