Irwin Window
The upper section depicts Christ’s Ascension into Heaven. He is surrounded by Cherubim. “Cherubim/cherubs are angelic beings involved in the worship and praise of God. This is one of their main responsibilities throughout the Bible. In addition to singing God's praises, they also serve as a visible reminder of the majesty, glory, holiness and power of God and His abiding presence with His people.”
For forty days after his resurrection, Jesus appeared to many people. The last time they met together, Jesus said, “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority [for what will happen in the future.] But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After He said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight.
Acts 1:7-9
When He had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, He lifted up His hands and blessed them. While He was blessing them, He left them and was taken up into heaven.
Luke 24:50-51
The lower section depicts witnesses of Christ’s Ascension into Heaven.
When He had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, He lifted up His hands and blessed them. While He was blessing them, He left them and was taken up into heaven.”
Luke 24:50-51
Before he left, Jesus “opened their minds so they could understand all the scriptures” written in the Bible. Then he told them to travel out to all the nations, preaching about repentance and forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ Name. Many years later the Apostle Paul outlined that Gospel message in a letter to the Christian church in Corinth.
The apostle Paul wrote,
What I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve [apostles]. After that, Jesus appeared to more than 500 of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living… Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also [Paul]…
1 Corinthians 15:3-8
The Irwin Window was a gift of Mrs. Richard Hays in memory of Boyle Irwin (1772-1860), Elizabeth McCully Irwin (1786-1867) and Richard Hays (1815-1877).