Westminster Architecture

Westminster's Romanesque Revival design was by the architect, H.M. Wilcox. Light "yellow" brick, likely to have come from Jesse Ketchum's native Canada, was used. Windows on the Delaware, north and south walls have round arches. Pointed Gothic arches were installed on the interior when new windows were installed, 1931-1952. Small brick arches in the cornice are reminiscent of Lombardy architecture of northern Italy. The Parish House, built in 1918, housing the Parish Hall and Case library, resembles a Norman keep. Behind Westminster is the restored Victorian stable for the Rumsey residence, now used by Early Childhood Programs.

When the Sanctuary was renovated in 1903, Tiffany Studios stenciled Christian symbols in gold throughout: thirteen around the chancel arch, eleven in the chancel and sixty-six on wall panels; all being complemented by the rich colors of their windows. In 1931,Westminster started replacing the windows; the last of which can be found in the south anteroom by the Delaware Avenue entrance. The symbols were covered during the 1954 renovation. During the renovation of 1992, symbols in the chancel and around its arch were restored. The new windows are in the Gothic Revival style, similar in design and fabrication to those found in the 12th and 13th century cathedrals of Europe. In 1967 the "Praise" window, facing Delaware Avenue on the north side of the main entrance, was dedicated in a service led by Dr. Kiely. This window completed a plan initiated by Dr. Holmes and implemented by Dr. Butzer from 1932 to 1962. Altogether there are thirty-one masterpieces by four of the leading artists associated with the Gothic revival in America: Henry Willet of Philadelphia and Wilbur Burnham, Charles Connick, and Joseph Reynolds of Boston.

The biblical and symbolic substance depicted in this art is very comprehensive. There are 218 unique items of interest throughout the Sanctuary, Delaware entrance and Holmes Chapel: 127 bible stories in the windows, 56 Judeo-Christian symbols on walls and in the windows , and 33 significant events associated with Work of the Church portrayed in the windows. To appreciate this scope, begin in the Sanctuary at the Delaware end with the ten windows which cover the complete story of the Bible: Old Testament on the North, and New Testament on the South.

Old Testament

"Creation" by Willet. 1950. Given by Mr. and Mrs. Horace Reed.
"Commandments" by Connick. 1951. Given by Mr. and Mrs. J. Frederick Schoellkopf, Jr.
"Prophets" by Connick. 1950. Given by Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Troup.
"Psalms" by Reynolds. 1949. Given by Mr. and Mrs. Edgar F. Wendt.
"Prophesies" by Reynolds. 1948. Given by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Sanders.

New Testament

"Nativity" by Burnham. 1931. Given in honor of Jewett M. Richmond by Lillian and Edward Richmond.
"Miracles" by Willet. 1947. Given by Mrs. Horace Reed.
"Parables" by Connick. 1935. Given in honor of Elizabeth Clifford Alderman by Frank W. Alderman.
"Beatitudes" by Burnham. 1934. Given in honor of Fanny Barnham How by James How
"Crowning Events" by Willet. 1947. Given in honor of members who died in World War II by the Westminster Congregation.

"Praise" by Willet. 1967. Given in honor of Frank A. Yeager by Mrs. Isabelle Wheaten Yeager.
"Acts of Mercy" by Burnham. 1950.
"The Great Invitation" by Burnham. 1950.
"Gifts of the Spirit" by Burnham. 1950. These three windows were given in honor of Dr. Almon H. Cooke by Mrs. Jesse A. Cooke. Tiffany on south side interior. Installed in 1903 by the Congregation. Earlier glass is on exterior.

Holmes Chapel

"Christ The Teacher" by Willet 1941. Given in honor of N. Loring Danforth, given by the Danforth family. "Women of the Church" by Willet 1946. Eight windows on the North side. A memorial to Carolyn Tripp Clement.
"Builders of The Church" by Willet 1946. Eight windows on the South side. A memorial to Stephen Merrill Clement, Jr. These sixteen windows were given by Mr. and Mrs. Norman Parsons Clement.

Symbols in the Chancel (from left)

Circle and Triangle - symbol of Eternity and Trinity
Shell - symbol of Baptism Symbol of Trinity
Head of an Ox - symbol of St. Luke
Face of an Angel - symbol of St. Matthew
(center) Monogram of Christ
(ceiling) The Tree of Life
Head of a Lion - symbol of St. Mark
The Eagle - symbol of St. John
Symbol of Perfection of the Trinity
Cross and Monogram of Christ
Symbol of the Trinity

Symbols Around the Chancel Arch (from lower left)

Saw, symbol of St. Simon
Lance and Rule, symbol of St. Thomas
Hatchet, symbol of St. Matthew
Knife, symbol of St. Bartholomew
Chalice and Serpent, symbol of St. John
Sword, symbol of St. Paul
(upper center) Jesus Christ the Conqueror
Keys, symbol of St. Peter
St. Andrew's Cross, symbol of St. Andrew
Column and Staff, symbol of St. Philip
Knotted Club, symbol of St. Jude
Battle Ax, symbol of St. Matthew
Pilgrim's Staff, symbol of St. James

Bas-relief Wood Carvings on the Pulpit

"All these things spake Jesus to the multutudes in Parables" by Adlais Hardin, 1967
"Sower"
"Prodigal son"
"Mustard seed"
"Good Samaritan"
"Pharisee and tax collector"