The St. Paul Window

      One does not need to turn to Scripture to discover God’s work among His people. His work is ongoing through His Word and Sacraments. In 1848 (top medallion), the Holy Spirit moved a number of German immigrants in and around this area to gather together for worship under the leadership of Rev. Carl Frinke of St. John’s Lutheran Church at White Creek. In 1852, the congregation was chartered as the “German Evangelical Lutheran St. Paul on the Clifty Church.” This window is a testament to God’s blessing upon His people through this congregation.

      The boat serves as a reminder that this was a congregation of immigrants at its founding. On one of the ship’s sails is the symbol of the city of Löhne, Germany and the ship’s flag bears the city’s name. Of the 77 individuals who signed St. Paul’s first constitution, 43 were from Löhne and members of St. Simeon Church in that city. Today the St. Paul congregation maintains a strong relationship with her mother church and Columbus and Löhne are sister cities.

      These immigrants arrived at Baltimore and then traveled to Cincinnati and from there to this area. The wagon symbolizes not only a common mode of transportation in 1848, but how these immigrants would have made their journey to the Clifty area.

The church pictured in the window is the 1887 church without the addition of the narthex. There is a pioneer family, a mother and father with their two daughters. The church in the background, overshadowing the family is a visible reminder of the providence of God. 

      The wheat in the field recalls the parable of the sower and that through the ministry of St. Paul Church the seed of the Word has been sown both here and abroad and the seed that has been sown has produced an abundant harvest of righteousness. The water in the corner of the field represents Clifty Creek, which is not only the location of our church but also the name that is associated with our church by many in our community.  

       The two medallions represent the means of grace. The left medallion is the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. The right medallion contains symbols of both sacraments, Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Through His Word and Sacrament, God has and continues to strengthen and sustain His people in this place.