We are proud of the unique stained glass windows in the sanctuary which represent the spirit and beauty of Mettowee Valley.
The rose window was built 1909 in the front of the church over the chancel in memory of Lydia Greenleaf Sykes.
On the east wall (on the left as you enter the church) are three windows, largely inspired by the eastern landscape of the valley. They are best seen in strong morning light. The front window, built in 1944, is a memorial to Howard R. Pfaelzer, and is based on the view from his garden in Dorset Hollow. The center window, given in 1914, is a memorial to Harriette Sykes Humphrey. It is based on a view from her garden looking east toward Green Peak. The third window, given in 1975, is in memory of Cornelia B. Lee, and reflects her love of flowers and birds, particularly cardinals.
On the west wall, the scenes are generally based on western views, best seen in strong afternoon light. The front window was a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Edwin C. Codman in 1949, and presents of view to the west toward Mother Myrick from the former Codman garden on Church Street. The center window is a memorial to Herbert N. Williams, given in 1941, and it is a view taken from a point just south of the village, including Henrietta Jackson’s elm. The third window is a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Edwin, Lefevre and Dr. Virginia McDonald, given in 1979 and dedicated to the love for all children and animals.
Over the entrance door is a window installed in 1909 in memory of Dr. and Mrs. Parsons S. Pratt. Dr. Pratt was pastor of Dorset Church from 1856–1896.
The Franks Window, a gift from the Franks Family, is in fond remembrance of their years in Dorset. Installed in the west wall in 1983, it is one of three windows in the church to come from the Chapman Stained Glass Studios of Albany, New York. The Lefevre-McDonald Window was a product of this concern, as was the last window to be dedicated “The Bicentennial Window .“
The Bicentennial Window was presented to the congregation on September 23, 1984. Its commission and acquisition were the result of a fundraising effort centered in the church’s 200th anniversary celebration, and its dedication was an integral part of this celebration. To quote from the church program of that memorable Sunday: “With the dedication of the Bicentennial Window today we complete the stained glass windows of our church sanctuary…the Bicentennial Window is the offering of us all to our church.“
The Rose Window was designed and executed by the Tiffany Studios. The front four windows in the sanctuary, two on each side, were designed by Wallace W. Fahnestock, Dorset painter and longtime member of the congregation, and a protégé of the famous stained glass producer, John LaFarge, who originally worked with the Tiffany studios. The third east window (on the left) was designed by Frederick L. Leuchs, who, interestingly, entered the stained glass business because of the encouragement of John LaFarge’s son. The third west window (on the right) was designed by the Chapman Stained Glass Studios.