The History and Symbolism of the Newmarket Community Church Stained Glass Windows

In 1928 the sanctuary of what is now called Newmarket Community Church (NCC) was renovated in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Methodist and Congregational churches in Lamprey River Village, both of which became The Community Church.

The renovation included a complete set of cathedral glass windows, most of which were given as memorials. At 4:00PM on Sunday, December 16, 1928, a special vesper service was held in observance of the 100th anniversary.

Funding the 1928 Renovation

The renovation was a significant undertaking of the church, set in motion by a gift of $1200 given by the Ladies’ Aid to the Executive Committee for the purpose of the restoration work. 

The stained-glass windows were purchased from Shaw-Thompson Co. of Portland, Maine for the sum of $2180.00.

The Stained-Glass Window Design

The windows of cathedral glass are set in casings patterned after the graceful Gothic arch upward pointing, signifying aspiration.  The symbol of the Cross is repeated in the design at the top of each of the six larger windows, while near the center of each section is a symbol suggesting a passage of scripture or a subject in early Christian story. The scripture and symbolism chosen in 1928 is represented here as it was in the program for the special vesper service.

Every Window Tells a Story

Each of these stained-glass images is imbedded in the colorful cathedral glass providing a kaleidoscope rich with meaning, rich with history, and rich with inspiration. You’re welcome to come by anytime and take it all in from inside our peaceful and serene sanctuary. As you tour the sanctuary and experience these windows, may you be blessed by the beauty and inspiration that lies within the stories each window still shares.

  • The Cross and Crown

    Durgin Memorial

    Hebrews 12:2 Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.

    Hebrews 2:9 But we do see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

  • The Anchor of Hope

    Durgin Memorial

    Hebrews 6:19 We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters the inner shrine behind the curtain.

  • The Bible and Candle

    In Memory of Walter M. Gallant

    Psalm 119:105 Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

  • The Lilies

    In Memory of Walter M. Gallant

    Song of Solomon 2:1 I am the rose of Sharon and the lily of the valleys. Lilies are a symbol of Christ

  • The Phoenix

    In Memory of Martha E. Kent

    The phoenix is a symbol of immortality; of eternal life. The phoenix is a mythological bird like an eagle with beautiful golden plumage. According to the Assyrians, it lives 500 years and at the hour of death flies into a sacred fire, then from the flames a new phoenix arises.

  • The Vine

    In Memory of Martha E. Kent

    John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.

  • The Bull

    In Memory of Caroline Avery Berry

    The symbol of Saint Luke the Evangelist, author of the third Gospel.

  • The Lamb and Book of Seven Seals

    In Memory of Caroline Avery Berry

    Revelation 5:12 Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing! The Lamb is the symbol of Christ; the seven seals are God’s prophecy for humanity.

  • The Pelican

    In Memory of Caroline L. Hardy

    The pelican is the symbol of mother love and self-sacrifice. This bird carried food for its young in a pouch under its long bill. The food is pressed out by folding the bill downward against the neck and breast. For a long time, it was believed that the mother bird pierced her own breast and fed the little ones with her blood.

  • The Eagle

    In Memory of Caroline L. Hardy

    The eagle is the symbol of Saint John the Evangelist, author of the fourth Gospel.

  • The Lion

    Presented by Mr. and Mrs. Fred B. Philbrick

    The lion is the symbol of Saint Mark the Evangelist, author of the second Gospel.

  • The Angel

    Presented by Mr. and Mrs. Fred B. Philbrick

    Symbol of Saint Matthew the Evangelist, author of the first Gospel.

  • The Rose of Sharon

    Charles E. Tasker Memorial

    Song of Solomon 2:1 I am the rose of Sharon and the lily of the valleys. The Rose of Sharon is a symbol of Jesus Christ.

  • The Crown

    Charles E. Tasker Memorial

    2 Timothy 4:8 I look forward to what’s in store for me: a crown of righteousness that the Lord, the always right and just judge, will give me that day; but it is not only for me, but for all those who love and long for His appearing.

  • The Lamp

    In Memory of Thomas H. Wiswall & Alanson C. Haines

    Isaiah 62:1 For Zion’s sake I won’t keep silent and for Jerusalem’s sake I won’t sit still until her righteousness shines out like a light, and her salvation blazes like a torch. Symbol of Salvation.

  • The Chalice

    In Memory of Thomas H. Wiswall & Alanson C. Haines

    The cup of salvation represents the cup used to hold the wine at the Lord’s supper. The I.H.S. on the wafer in the chalice stands for ‘Iesus Hominum Salvator’ ~Jesus, Savior of humankind.