Three Interwoven Circles
The Three Interwoven Circles of equal size symbolize the equality, eternity, and unity of the three persons in the Trinity.
In honor of Rebecca and William R. Sears by Louise, Robert, and William Sears and Marjorie Meece.
The Message of our Windows
Every great accomplishment begins with a dream. The dream is the seed of imagination, and when nurtured, it can grow into something beautiful. Our stained-glass windows began as such a dream—and today, they grace our sanctuary with color, light, and meaning.
As you walk through the sanctuary, notice how the sunlight pours through each window, bringing the vibrant colors and historic Christian symbols to life. These windows don’t just brighten the space—they invite us to pause, reflect, and lift our hearts in worship.
Each window is a tribute: to the glory of God, to the faithful saints of Somerset First United Methodist Church, and to the loving donors whose devotion made these works of art possible.
The symbols in the windows are arranged from the front of the sanctuary to the back, telling a story that has guided generations in faith and hope.
May each image, each color, and each light-filled moment serve as a reminder of God’s greatest gift to all: Jesus Christ.
October 29, 1983 (Updated November 2025)
Stained Glass Windows on the Right Side of our Sanctuary
Trefoil
The Trefoil is symbolic of the Holy Trinity – God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
In honor of Marjorie and O’Leary Meece by Ann and Charles Farris, and Marjorie and Elizabeth Farris.
Triquetra with Circle
The Triquetra with Circle is formed by three trefoil circles expressive of a beginning, a middle, and an end. This is also symbolic of the three days Christ spent in the tomb.
In memory of Zelleen Flynn Hughes by children.
Trinity
This is another symbol of the Trinity expressing the word of “Pater” for Father, “Filius” for Son, and “Spiritus” for Holy Spirit.
In memory of Earl Graybeal by family.
Circle with Triangle
The Circle with Triangle is the monogram of the Trinity standing for the doctrine of the Holy Spirit.
In memory of Dean Graybeal and in honor of Hazel Graybeal by their sons, David and Joe.
Triangle, Cross, and Circles
Triangle, Cross, and Circles entwined illustrates another symbol of the Trinity and denotes the Glory of God. The cross is symbolic of finished redemption.
In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Flynn by Jim and Elizabeth Corder.
Triquetra
The Triquetra, formed from circles, represents eternity and emphasizes various attributes of the Trinity.
In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Offutt by Gene Belle Offutt.
Anchor Cross
The Anchor Cross means hope and was used by the early Christians. This cross rises out of a crescent moon, a symbol for our Lord’s mother Mary, from which rises a cross.
In memory of W.R. Nichols and in honor of Mrs. W. R. Nichols by family.
Budded Cross
Another symbol of the Trinity is the Budded Cross. The budded ends represent Christian growth in Christ.
In honor of Renius and Dorothy Smith by their children.
Easter Cross
The Easter Cross entwined with the vine of “New Life” is changed from the “shameful cross” on which Christ died to the symbol of the Son of the Righteousness who lives in splendor and glory forever more.
In honor of Thomas F. and Glenda W. Adams by their children.
Cross & Crown
The Cross and Crown signifies Kingship of our Lord Jesus Christ. It emphasizes Christ’s victory over sin and death and His place of honor at the right hand of God.
In memory of Mason E. Burton by the family.
Methodist Cross and Flame
The Methodist Cross and Flame is the official symbol of the United Methodist Church since its union in 1968. This lifts up the great emphasis of the Cross upon which Jesus died for our salvation and the Flame representing the power of the Holy Spirit in God’s people.
In memory of J. Hiram Smith by wife Rosella.
Cross-Crosslet
Cross-Crosslet portrays five crosses, which represent the five wounds of Jesus; the large center cross signifies mosaic law, and the four smaller crosses symbolize the four Gospels, which as Christians we are to take to the four corners of the world.
In memory of Jesse and Ethel Keltner by Abe and Lillian Keltner Strunk.
Celtic Cross
The Celtic Cross with the circle emphasizes the eternal effect of the redemption secured by the death of Christ on the cross.
In memory of Hugh B. Morrison by wife, Peggy Morison, and children, Scott and Jane.
Easter Lily
The Easter Lily marks our hope in the resurrection. When the bulb is buried, out of it grows foliage and a new bulb. This depicts the gaining of immortal life by death of the body.
In memory of Rev. Clifton L. Neikirk and in honor of Florence Neikirk by Mrs. Florence Neikirk.
Grapevine and Branches
The Grapevine and Branches is symbolic of the unity of the church. The vine is one of the most vivid signs in the bible to express the relationship between God and His people. The grapes represent the blood of Christ. Thus, a grapevine with branches often symbolizes the unity of the church.
In memory of Paul R. Hughes by Helen H. Hughes.
Triumphal Entry
The Triumphal Entry illustrates our celebration of Palm Sunday as it portrays palm branches with a cross resting upon the world, signifying the triumph of the gospel.
In memory of Edward Howard Kelly by Mrs. Myrtle Kelly and Pat Kelly.
Creation
The symbol of Creation re-emphasizes that “in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” It also reminds us that our individual human “roots” forever spring from the creative love of God.
In memory of Grace Margaret Eads by Dr. B.E. Eads and Children.
Christmas Rose with Five-Point Epiphany Star
The Christmas Rose with Five-Point Epiphany Star represents the Messianic Rose of Hope as Epiphany is the time that the Christ child was shown to the Wise Men. The Epiphany Star is commonly known as the Star of Bethlehem.
In memory of James F. Prather, Sr., and Josephine Prather by John and Jim Prather.
Fleur-de-lis
The Fleur-de-lis is emblematic of the Trinity because of its three-fold division. This is sometimes used to symbolize the annunciation of our Lord.
In honor of Marie Humble Neal by William R. Humble, Mary Vaughn, and Allison Marie Boss.
Iris
Iris is the flower of the Virgin. It means “sword lily” referring to the sorrow of the Virgin at the passion of Christ. In memory of Virgil D. Roberts and Mae Thurman Roberts by Mr. and Mrs. Thurman Roberts.
In memory of Zelleen Flynn Hughes by children.
Alpha and Omega
Alpha and Omega, “the first and last, the beginning and the end, the same yesterday, today, and forever.” These Greek letters from the beginning and end of the alphabet refer to our Lord.
In memory of Mrs. Frank Ellis by Children.
IHS
IHS are the Latin letters representing an abbreviation for the name of Jesus. In most of our Protestant Churches this symbol is seen more often than any other except the cross.
In honor of Rev. and Mrs. Charles Hogg and in memory of Kenneth Whitaker by Mary Whitaker.
Crown with The Branch
The Crown with the Branch symbolizes the victory of our Lord and King, Jesus Christ. It reminds us not only of Christ, but also of the kingly office which all Christians must fill where Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches.”
In memory of Carlus LaFavers and in honor of Mary Ellen LaFavers by Mike LaFavers family and Jane Trimble family.
Prayer
This sacred Greek monogram is symbolic for Prayer. As the sweet odor of incense rises heavenward from the censer, it indicates prayers to Christ.
In honor of Threasa Wesley by Elizabeth and Paul Wesley.
Stained Glass Windows on the Left Side of our Sanctuary
Saint John
John the Apostle or Saint John the Beloved was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. Generally listed as the youngest apostle, he was the son of Zebedee and Salome. His brother was James, who was another of the Twelve Apostles.
To the glory of God in honor of Mary H. Whitaker given by Mike, Virginia, Brian, Mary Beth, and Richard.
Saint Luke
Luke the Evangelist is one of the Four Evangelists—the four traditionally ascribed authors of the canonical gospels.
To the glory of God in memory of Allyson Patsey in honor of John D. Kevin and Edward Patsey given by John and Betty Patsey.
Saint Mark
Mark the Evangelist is the traditionally ascribed author of the Gospel of Mark. Mark is said to have founded the Church of Alexandria, one of the most important episcopal sees of early Christianity. His feast day is celebrated on April 25, and his symbol is the winged lion.
To the glory of God given by Marry and Charles Cundiff and Family (Frankie and Rustle).
Saint Matthew
Matthew the Apostle, also known as Saint Matthew and as Levi, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus.
To the glory of God in honor of Georgia and Horace Withers given by Dale, Connie, Jaime, and Rose Withers.
Saint Paul
Paul the Apostle, commonly known as Saint Paul and also known by his Hebrew name Saul of Tarsus, was a Christian apostle who spread the teachings of Jesus in the first-century world.
To the glory of God in memory of Gideon C. and Victoria G. Prather given by grandsons James F. Prather, Jr., and John G. Prather, Sr.
St. Thomas
Thomas the Apostle, also called Didymus, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. Thomas is commonly known as “Doubting Thomas” because he doubted Jesus’s resurrection when first told of it; later, he confessed his faith on seeing Jesus’s crucifixion wounds.
To the glory of God in memory of Carole Clinard given by Steve, Mary, Molly, and Jill Hieronymous.
St. Simon
Simon the Zealot or Simon the Canaanite or Simon the Canaanean was one of the most obscure among the apostles of Jesus.
To the glory of God in memory of Mr. and Mrs. E.C. Andis in honor of Mary A. and James B. Ramsey given by James A. Ramsey and Susan R. Wilson. In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Offutt by Gene Belle Offutt.
St. Philip
Philip the Apostle was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. Christian traditions describe Philip as the apostle who preached in Greece, Syria, and Phrygia.
To the glory of God In memory of Paul L. Neikirk given by Francis, Joe, and Randy Neikirk.
Saint Peter
Saint Peter, also known as Simon Peter, Simeon, Simon, Cephas, or Peter the Apostle, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ, and one of the first leaders of the early Church. According to Christian tradition, Peter was crucified in Rome under Emperor Nero.
To the glory of God in honor of Mildred and W.M. Jesse given by Ruby Jesse Omara and Anna Mae Jesse Crawford.
St. Matthew
Matthew the Apostle, also known as Saint Matthew and as Levi, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus.
To the glory of God in memory of Leonard M. and Frances J. Keiterer given by Anita J. Robbins, her sister, as well as Sue K. Cooper, Jean K. Gibson, Ann K. Pace, and their families.
Saint Jude
Jude was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. He is generally identified with Thaddeus, and is also variously called Jude of James, Jude Thaddaeus, Judas Thaddaeus or Lebbaeus.
To the glory of God in memory of Jack and Maxie Phelps given by Ralph and Lucille Phelps.
Saint John
John the Apostle or Saint John the Beloved was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. Generally listed as the youngest apostle, he was the son of Zebedee and Salome. His brother was James, who was another of the Twelve Apostles.
To the glory of God given by W. Gene and Virginia B. Kivett and children, Linda K. Davis and Walter Conley Kivett.
Saint James the Less
James the Less is a figure of early Christianity, one of the twelve chosen by Jesus. He is also called “the Minor”, “the Little”, “the Lesser”, or “the Younger”, according to translation. He is not to be confused with James, son of Zebedee.
To the glory of God given by the Gene Hurt family Gene, Mary Lynn, Kim, Jeanne, and Don.
Saint James the Greater
James the Great, also known as James, son of Zebedee or as Saint James the Greater, was one of the Twelve Apostles. Saint James is the patron saint of Spain, and according to tradition, his remains are held in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia.
To the glory of God given by the Isaacs family Sam, Alene, Paul, John T. Beverly and grandchildren.
Saint Bartholomew
Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles, is said to have been martyred for having converted Polymius, King of Armenia, to Christianity.
To the glory of God in memory of Dewey Strunk in honor of Zella Strunk in memory of Arch and Artie Cornett given by Walter and Mildred Strunk.
Dove and Chalice with Wheat
This expression of Holy Communion illustrated in the Dove and Chalice with Wheat makes us aware of God’s peace… “Peace I leave with you, Let not your heart be troubled, neither be afraid.”
In honor of Edgar and Geneva Gregory, Geneva Cummins Canning, and C. William Cummins by Jack and Jane Gregory.
Hand of God
The Hand of God is one of the oldest representations of God the Father. This was the main symbol used in the first thousand years of Christianity that denoted the Father.
In honor of Richard Hunt Weddle, M.D., by Mrs. Richard Weddle.
Lamb and Bible
“Behold the Lamb of God which takes away the sins of the world.” The lamb denotes sacrifice and innocence reclining on the Word of God as seen in the symbol of the Lamb and Bible.
The Hieronymus Family: Dr. Ben, Helen, Jane, Tom, Steven, and grandchildren.
Holy Communion
The chalice with grapevine entwined and a sheath of wheat symbolize Sacrament of Holy Communion and the communion of Jesus and His believers.
In memory of W.R. and Zula Perkins by Herbert and Hazel Ledford and girls.
Nativity
The Nativity symbol reminds us of the humble beginning of Jesus in Bethlehem of Judea as He laid in a manger. The star of the wise men and the presence of the descending Holy Spirit are also illustrated in this emblem.
In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Elbert C. Day and William Elbert Day by Ruth Day.
Seven Point Star and Book
The Seven Point Star and Book refers to the written word of God as inspired by the Holy Spirt with the seven-point star representing the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.
In honor of Irene and Volando Taylor by Joanne Taylor Blucher and William C. Blucher.
Fortitude
Alpha and Omega, “the first and last, the beginning and the end, the same yesterday, today, and forever.” These Greek letters from the beginning and end of the alphabet refer to our Lord.
In memory of Mrs. Frank Ellis by Children.
Praise
The symbol for Praise is portrayed through the emblem of the harp. Psalm 33:2 reminds us: “Praises the Lord with the lyre. Make melody to him with the harp.”
In memory of Herbert Parks Sibley by Mildred S. Sibley.
Ten Commandments
The guide given by God for all human relationships and for successful living is illustrated in the Ten Commandments sign.
In honor of Mr. And Mrs. W.E. Waters, Sr., by Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Waters, Jr.
Crosier
The Crosier, the shepherd’s crook or walking staff of the Apostles combined with a shield and Chi Rho Cross, has become the pastoral symbol of a bishop – a symbol of authority and jurisdiction.
In memory of Jesse F. and Cora T. Neikirk by children.
Open Holy Bible
The Open Holy Bible indicates that the Bible is accessible throughout the world. Translations of the Bible have been published in more than a thousand tongues. We have two pieces of furniture that uphold the Word of God – the pulpit and the lectern.
In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Glen Gover, Sr., by children.
Scroll with Pen
The Scroll with Pen signifies Scripture – more often given to Old Testament authors. A scroll or rolled manuscript was used before the page method.
In honor of Richard W. and Sue K. Cooper by children and their families.
Lamp with Flame
“Thy Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). The Lamp with Flame reminds us as Christians of our call to Christian knowledge, truth, and wisdom.
To the glory of God by Nile and Tellie Cundiff.
Descending Dove and Trefoil
Descending Dove and Trefoil portrays the Trinity. The descending dove as the Holy Spirit and the three circles of equal size indicate the equality, eternity, and unity of the three persons in the Trinity.
In memory of W. L. and Nora Judd and Rev. Smith Gilmore by Cora Judd Gilmore.
Fish
In the days of persecution, Christians often identified one another by the drawing of a Fish. It was said when this symbol was displayed outside of a pagan home, it indicated a funeral banquet was being held for the dead, but when it appeared outside a Christian home, it was a sign the Lord’s supper would be celebrated there at night in secret.
In memory of Mr. and Mrs. James M. Holt by their children.
Dove of Peace
The Dove of Peace illustrated here with an olive twig in its beak is a symbol of the ark. From the earliest centuries of Christianity, the Ark of Noah has been a symbol of the church. In the ark all living creatures found refuge from the flood. The ark and the rainbow remind us of God’s covenant with Noah and God’s new covenant with the Church.
In memory of Marlon G. Hamm by Mrs. Marlon G. Hamm.
Baptism
This symbol of Baptism depicts the shell, the cross, and the hovering Holy Spirit. “…and Jesus was baptized and as he was praying, the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove settled upon him, and a voice from heaven said, ‘You are my beloved son, in you I am well pleased.’”
In memory of Mrs. Edna Calhoun by the Harmony UMW Circle.
Lamb of God
Christ’s triumph over sin, death, and the grave is illustrated through the Lamb of God symbol with the lamb carrying the banner of victory. I
n memory of Jean Kay Alexander by Edna and Bill Alexander.
Butterfly
The Butterfly is a symbol of the resurrection of Christ in a more general sense; the butterfly means the resurrection of all men. This meaning is derived from the three stages in its life as represented by the caterpillar, the chrysalis, and the soaring butterfly, which are clearly symbols of life, death, and resurrection.
In honor of Margaret Spragg Thurman; in memory of Isa Spragg and Claire Elizabeth Thurman by Thomas F. and Glenda W. Adams.
Descending Dove
The Descending Dove has come to be the most widely recognized symbol of the Holy Spirit. At the baptism of Jesus, there was the descent of the Holy Spirit like a dove from Heaven. Also, on the day of the Pentecost, the birthday of the Christian Church, they were filled with the Holy Spirit.
In memory of Mrs. Isa L. Thurman and Betty Thurman by Margaret Thurman.
The Story of the Stained Glass Windows in our Prayer Chapel
The windows of our chapel are not just beautiful art; they are tangible pieces of our church's deep history. Of the ninety-six stunning stained glass windows that graced the original 1917 church, only twenty were salvaged when the building was torn down in 1973. Eighteen of these, with their rich colors and biblical scenes, create the deeply contemplative environment of the chapel; the final two can be found in the narthex outside the main sanctuary.
Even more profound is the legacy held within the "Donated by" names—they honor the original donors, the grandparents and great-grandparents of many members who sit in the pews and/or worship online today, connecting our past to our present.
