North East Bay 4 | The Windows of Rowan LeCompte

Photo – Peter Swanson

North East, Bay 4

1961 – Church of the Incarnation, Washington, DC

This church on the eastern edge of Washington may be modest and unassuming, but its nave features a symphony of color in windows by Rowan and Irene that extend the length of its northeast and southwest walls. These windows create a moody, mystical feel within the worship space. Actually, Irene may have been the principal designer because we have been told by friends of the family that she really loved to let the glass be its unadorned self in windows. It is clear to see that the glass in all of these windows is exquisite artisan glass carefully arranged in a pattern of rich colors.

This is the bay of windows farthest from the altar on the northeast side of the church. The deep reds are almost gone here, and there is again a light and airy feel to the windows in this bay. The blues, which have been accents in the preceding three bays, now march across this window from left to right, almost as if they are directing traffic in the window. In the final (rightmost) lancet, the glass is very transparent, allowing the brick texture of the church to shine through. This is certainly a conscious choice in the design, illustrating yet another dimension in the thinking of Irene and Rowan.

Iconography

We have not yet uncovered any documentation to explain why these windows were created in such an unadorned, abstract style. Part of their beauty, however, lies in the fact that the outside world is visible through them, and the patterns on the windows shift as time passes. It may be that Irene and Rowan’s intent was simple: to give churchgoers the opportunity to sit in this beautiful light, soak in the colors, and reflect on God’s changing world revealed through this glorious transition of color.