The Books of Kells is the inspiration for the stained glass windows in the Church due to the parish’s Scottish heritage being named after St. Margaret of Scotland.  The Book of Kells is the most celebrated medieval Irish manuscript produced between the seventh and ninth centuries.  The art in the Book of Kells became one of Ireland’s greatest attractions.  The artwork is known for its curves and spirals, and was thought to be the work of angels and not of men.  The text is modeled after the 5^th century version of the Latin Bible completed by St. Jerome.  The text reflects a symbolic form associated with a specific subject.  It is believed that monks on the Isle of Lona produced the Book of Kells.

The architecture is designed so that the assembly is surrounded by Christ the Teacher (entrance of the church) the four evangelists (over the crucifix) and the four archangels on the sides. 




The stained glass window at the back of the church over the entrance door is an image of Christ the Teacher modeled on the image of “Christ Enthroned” from the Book of Kells shown above.  The two colorful peacocks are symbols of Christ’s resurrection.  Christians adopted the symbol of the peacock to represent immortality. It is associated with the resurrection of Christ because it sheds its old feathers every year and grows newer, brighter ones each year.  The host representing the Eucharist is placed over the heart of the peacock.  Cynthia Gallagher designed the images.




                                                                              

The Four Evangelists

The round stained glass window strategically placed on the center front wall of the church above the cross of Christ crucified is reflective of the four evangelists who are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.  The art reflects the symbolism that lies in the prophecies of Ezekiel:

“In the 30th year, on the fifth day of the fourth month, while I was among the exiles by the river Chebar, the heavens opened, and I saw divine visions…. As I looked, a storm wind came from the north, a huge cloud with flashing fire, from the midst of which something gleamed like electrum. Within it were figures resembling four living creatures that looked like this: their form was human, but each had four faces and four wings, and their legs went straight down; the soles of their feet were round. They sparkled with a gleam like burnished bronze. Their faces were like this: each of the four had a face of a man, but on the right side was the face of a lion, and on the left side the face of an ox, and finally each had the face of an eagle….).” (Ezekiel 1: 1-21)
On the stained glass window in the upper left is the icon of a winged man representing Saint Matthew, who begins his gospel with Joseph’s genealogy from Abraham, representing Christ’s birth and his life on earth as a man.
On the upper right is the icon of a winged lion representing Saint Mark. The lion represents Jesus' resurrection because lions were believed to sleep with open eyes, a comparison with Christ in the tomb, and Christ as king.

On the lower left image is the icon of a winged ox representing Saint Luke, a figure of sacrifice, service, and strength.  Luke’s gospel begins with the duties of Zechariah in the temple, it represents Jesus’ sacrifice in his passion and crucifixion, as well as Christ being High Priest.

And finally, the lower right image is the icon of an eagle representing Saint John.  The eagle is the loftiest of all birds who can soar the skies.  John starts his gospel with Jesus—the Word and describes many things with a lofty Christology.  The eagle symbolizes the Ascension of the risen Christ into Heaven.




The Stain Glass Windows of the Four Archangels

The word archangel comes from the Greek words “arche” meaning ruler and “angelos” meaning messenger.  They have two significant duties:  to rule over angels and to deliver message from God to human beings.  Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and Uriel are the four archangels that are listed by name in the Book of Kells.  

Michael represents the north, who is seen as the good angel in the battle fought in heaven against Satan and his followers.  Michael is the protector against dark forces who defends us in battle against the forces of evil.  Michael is invoked as protector by the Church—represented by a fiery sword.

Gabriel represents the west, whose name means “hero of God.”  Gabriel appeared to Mary to let her know that she was to be the Mother of God.  Gabriel is depicted holding a lily, which signals the Virgin Mary’s victory over death.

Raphael represents the east, whose name means “he who heals” based on the biblical story that Raphael healed the earth when it was defiled by the sins of the fallen angels (John 5: 1-4).  Raphael is represented as an angel picking up a fish out of the water, and brings peace, love and healing.

Uriel represents the north, whose name means “flame of God” and watches over thunder and terror.  Uriel checked the doors of Egypt for the lamb’s blood during the plague the night of the “passing over of death.”  Uriel is viewed as carrying a scroll representing wisdom.


                                     
The statues of Mary and Joseph positioned together as a family with Mary, who is traditionally on the left and Joseph on the right.  When the church opened in 1999 these statues were gifted to St. Margaret’s from a seminary that closed in the 1970’s.

The crucifix is a centerpiece behind the altar, which was commissioned by St. Jude and came from Italy.  The goal was that Jesus, Mary, and Joseph would all be life-size.

                                                                                        
The tabernacle is a liturgical furnishing used to house the Eucharist outside of Mass. This provides a location where the Eucharist can be kept for the adoration of the faithful and for later use (e.g., distribution to the sick). The word tabernacle means “dwelling place.” Thus the tent-like sanctuary that the Jews used before the Temple was built was called the Tabernacle, because God dwelt there. The cross on top of the tabernacle is a Celtic cross because of the heritage of our patron, St. Margaret of Scotland.
                                                                       

Marian Garden – Eagle Scout Project by Ethan Downs, May 2016


Memorial Garden – Eagle Scout Project by Justin Cooler in memory of Sr. Catherine Charles, October 2022


Remembering our Children Garden – a place to pray for children who have died