“Remember this reredos,” I urge. St Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church stands as a beacon. It is a testament to faith and artistic expression.
St Michael and All Angels began humbly in 1945. Bishop Harry Tunis Moore and others wanted a church for New Dallas’s growing area. Early meetings occurred at the YMCA’s Boys Club. Since then, the church has grown. It now includes its own sanctuary and a school building.
The church’s growth mirrors its vibrant community. Stanton Studios has helped enhance its beauty over the years. They’ve added stained glass and restored original pieces.
Inside, the sanctuary showcases remarkable artistry. Stanton Studios designed the lower left wall’s stained glass. The 24 panels match the existing glass. Abstract images of birds and mountains adorn the artwork.
Outside the children’s chapel, custom cast glass doors captivate. They feature 3-D iridescent angels. A church member’s original drawings inspired these unique figures. Five similar angel doors exist throughout St Michael and All Angels.
Restoration is also vital to St Michael’s beauty. The children’s chapel features bright blue windows with painted centers. Stanton Studios restored and expanded these windows. They added a blue border. The new seamlessly blends with the old.
Currently, Stanton Studios restores a large glass wall in the choir loft. Seventy brightly colored panels illuminate the space. Each panel undergoes careful restoration. The process involves cleaning, rebuilding with new lead, and soldering. Water damage, breaks, and lead fatigue had affected the windows. The restored windows promise renewed brilliance.
St Michael and All Angels hosts numerous events. Traditional Holy Eucharist services enrich the soul. Weekday and Sunday services cater to diverse preferences. There are also programs for children, youth, and adults.
Adult Formation offers series on various topics. These include parenting, faith, and Bible study. Saint Michael 101 introduces newcomers to the church’s mission. M.O.M.S. provides support for mothers. Men’s Bible studies and groups foster fellowship.
Serving others is central to St Michael’s mission. Opportunities abound within the church, city, and world. These acts of service nurture spiritual growth. They promote virtues like humility and compassion.
St Michael and All Angels is more than a building. It is a community united in faith and service. Its art tells stories. Its programs nurture spirits. Its doors welcome all. Remember St Michael and All Angels as a beacon of faith. It is a testament to art.