HOW AWESOME IS THIS PLACE!
THIS IS THE VERY HOUSE OF GOD.
THE GATEWAY TO HEAVEN.
-Genesis 28:17
As you enter the sanctuary you are greeted by this powerful verse from Genesis, chapter 28, verse 17. It was selected by our former pastor at the time of construction, Monsignor Joseph Wanstreet.
At the dedication of the church he said that by entering God’s house, we receive the grace of Baptism which is signified by the living water springing up to eternal life. Thus, the Baptismal Font is also strategically placed at the entrance of the sanctuary. So, when we enter, we bless ourselves as we make the Sign of the Cross with the holy water from the font.
“This entrance is also where we embark upon the road to salvation, becoming temples of God with a right to heaven,” he said.
The pews in the church circle the altar. They are made from West Virginia Appalachian Red Oak.
The reredos – or screen between the altar and the Blessed Sacrament Chapel – is also made of red oak.
The Crucifix – Corpus – is hand carved of linden wood from Italy reposing on a cross of Appalachian Oak stained to match the furnishings.
Our church also features a pipe organ with more than 1,000 pipes. It was made and installed by Moeller Organ Company, Hagerstown, MD. The consol and case is made of white oak.
Our Stations of the Cross were made in Italy from ash wood.
St. Jude Church features 77 stained glass windows made of 95% Blinko Glass of Milton, WV; and 5% specialty glass from Germany and France. The work was completed by Franklin Art Glass Studios of Columbus, Ohio.
The windows were designed by artist Curtis Doll, Jr.
Doll states the windows are “expressions of a deeply felt inner searching for the eternal. As light floods the interior of a church…, the inner space is transformed into a mystical source of joy, peace and tranquility…..
“Each piece is an artistic representation of my own personal view on the subject at hand. Every project I undertake has its own particular requirements concerning color, design and symbolic content. It is my objective to convey, as artfully as possible the unique quality of every commission I am given.”
The south windows feature Abraham, the Patriarch – Our Father in Faith, the Father of Isaac who was the Father of 12 Tribes of Israel. He is represented by a rock and flames; Moses and the 10 Commandments; Elijah, the prophet with the symbol of red cloak; the Annunciation – Jesus is conceived by the Power of God through the Message of the Angel Gabriel; the root of Jesse, Father of King David (representing the genealogy of Christ); the Star of David; the flowering rod (Jesus, Mary, and Joseph); and the Nativity.
Windows in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel: the Last Supper (Washing of the Feet and S/S – Sacrifice/Service – “Love one another as I have loved you.”); Crucifixion “Lay down life for friends”; Melchizadek – Old Testament Priest. “You are a priest forever (He was the first Priest mentioned in the Old Testament for using sacrifice of Bread and Wine); Bronze Serpent, in the Old Testament God told Moses to look upon serpent for healing. We now look upon Christ crucified; Loaves and Fishes (Fish is a symbol of the early Christians. ICTHUS – Jesus Christ – Son of God); Pascal Lamb with Flag of Victory – Eucharist rooted in Passover event of the Old Testament Jesus is victorious “Lamb of God.”
The North Windows show the Risen Christ (this is significant, because this established church – He appeared for 40 days to the Apostles, telling them to await the coming of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem); Pentecost (50 days after Easter, 10 days after Christ Ascension (Easter), Tongues of Fire. Symbol of Holy Spirit. After the Pentecost experience, the Apostles became brave and began to proclaim “Good News” of Christ. This is the birthday of the Church. “As the Father sent me, so I send you.”); The Keys of Kingdom to Peter; The Evangelists – teachers
Trinity – Sanctify – to make holy; Spirit dwells within us received in Baptism and Confirmation (represented by image of a man); Heart – “Where your treasure is, there your heart is also” (Prov 23:26); and stylized man in the outline of a dove – Spirit dwells within us – “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.
The windows above the organ pipes are our ways to perfection – the Seven Sacraments – baptism, reconciliation, holy Eucharist, confirmation, marriage, holy orders, and anointing of the sick. The Greek letters Alpha and Omega are at either end of the Sacraments. These represent God’s declaration that He is the beginning and the end.
The northeast windows reflect the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. In the first panel is the letter of each gift – Wisdom Understanding, Council, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord – set in a mystic star. The last panel includes the first letters of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit – Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Endurance, Gentleness, Faith, Mildness, and Chastity.
The southeast windows feature the Greek cross and the Seven Infused Virtues – (3 theological)
Virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity; and (4 Cardinal) Virtues of Prudence, Justice, Fortitude and Temperance. St. Andrew ’s cross is on the last panel.
The windows above the organ on the southwest side of the altar showcase the nine choirs of angels: The Counselors – Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones; The Governors – Dominions, Virtues, Powers; and The Messengers: Principalities, Archangels, and Angels.
In the reconciliation room is a window with the image of Jesus falling on his way to crucifixion. The cry room/bride’s room window features Jesus and the little children.
In the vestibule of our church is an ornate statue of the Baby Jesus, Infant of Prague. It was a gift to the church and our first pastor Father A. James Myles.
There are three statues in our church St. Jude, Mary, and Joseph. All are carved out of white marble. The statues of St. Jude and Mary were dedicated in honor of Monsignor Benjamin Farrell and Father Myles from the St. Jude Club (the founders of the church) and the parishioners and friends of St. Jude. These two statues originally stood on pedestals outside of St. Jude Hall, when it was used as our church.
Thank you for taking the time to enjoy this online glimpse of our church.
May you have a wonderful day.