Gazing at the illuminated stained glass, have you ever wondered about the story behind the Church of the Lighted Window? This church began as La Cañada Congregational Church in 1897. Fifteen pioneers met in Jacob and Ammoretta Lanterman’s home. They signed a covenant to charter the church. The Lanterman family played a vital role in its establishment.
The original sanctuary was a simple one-story building. It was located on the present church site. The Lanterman family donated the land. Citizens donated $1200 and labor. Nearly 200 people attended the dedication on April 19, 1898.
For years, the church served as a community hub. It hosted social, charitable, cultural, and community services. The first Boy Scout troop was organized here.
A new sanctuary building was dedicated on December 14, 1924. A stained-glass window was installed. It depicted Christ knocking at the door. The Lanterman family gifted it. Congressman John Stephen McGroarty immortalized the window in an essay. He described “a lighted window that shines out upon a lonely night.” The congregation then adopted the name Church of the Lighted Window.
However, the name caused confusion. Some thought the church worshipped a window. In 2008, the church restored its original name. It became La Cañada Congregational Church again.
The architectural glass remains a stunning feature. One side of the sanctuary features stained glass. Ateliers Loire Chartres in Paris designed it. Gabriel Loire founded the studio. His sons and grandsons now run it. The art glass is in the “glass slab” style. Thick pieces of colored glass are set in epoxy resin. This differs from traditional lead came.
These pieces are hammered with a marteline. This breaks them into faceted glass. The facets reflect and refract light. These windows have simple, understandable depictions. Their bold colors draw the eye.
Other windows were made by local studios. LA Art Glass and Judson Studios created them. These windows have a more medieval feel. They contain overtly religious portrayals.
Charles F. Pate, a La Cañada pioneer, helped build the new sanctuary in 1924. He was a photographer. His collection is housed at the Lanterman House Museum.
The Church of the Lighted Window has changed names. It stands as a testament to community spirit. Its stained glass windows continue to inspire. They offer a beacon of hope. They reflect the light of faith for all who pass by.