Behold the magnificent Creation Rose Window. It stands proudly at the center of the Washington National Cathedral’s west facade. This window is more than just glass. It is a story told in light and color.
The Creation Rose Window is best viewed from inside. Sunlight streams through its more than 10500 pieces of sparkling glass. It fills the space with a kaleidoscope of colors. The window was designed by Rowan LeCompte and fabricated by Dieter Goldkuhle. This 26-foot window celebrates the majesty and mystery of creation.
Notice the myriad colors. Key parts refer to the four Greek elements. Red represents fire. Gray symbolizes air. Green stands for water. Brown embodies earth. LeCompte designed nearly 50 stained-glass windows for the Cathedral. The Creation Rose Window is his beloved masterpiece.
During the window’s construction, a labor strike threatened to halt progress. The strike meant no cement could be mixed. No mortar could be made. One fitter and trimmer, a union member, needed a paycheck. He agreed to continue working. He enlarged the small petals of the rose window to allow more light.
He worked alone for weeks. Eventually, another worker joined him. They finished cutting the window before the strike ended. The glass fabricators installed the stained glass. The nave was dedicated in 1976.
Look closely. During the construction of the window, Rowan’s wife passed away. Rowan commemorated her by placing her favorite crystal paper weight into the window after her death. Only up close can you see the individual etching that was applied to each piece.
The west facade, where the Creation Rose Window resides, has its own theme. It is the Creation. Most medieval Gothic cathedrals show judgment and death on their west facades. But this Cathedral’s west portals tell a story of rebirth through faith.
Below the Creation Rose Window are three huge portals. Each has a large sculptural tympanum. The north portal depicts the Creation of Day. See the sun emerging from a swirling void. The center portal shows Ex Nihilo. Humankind emerges from the abyss. The south portal portrays the Creation of Night. The moon hangs in the night sky.
Two towers crown the Cathedral’s west facade. They rise 232 feet. The Tower of St. Peter is on the north. The Tower of St. Paul is on the south. They are named for the Cathedral’s patron saints. Between the towers, a stone cross sits atop the nave roof. It reminds everyone of the Christian faith practiced within.
The Creation Rose Window is a testament to artistry. It is a symbol of perseverance. It is a reminder of faith. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty. Remember the stories it holds within its sparkling glass.