The Resurrected Stained-Glass Window

On the second floor of the Layton Utah Temple, at the entrance to the area where the sealing rooms are, there is a stained-glass representation of the resurrection of the Savior and (I believe) Mary Magdalene looking up at Him. The Church News described it this way: “This Tiffany Studio Window, circa 1915, was purchased from a United Presbyterian Church in Amenia, New York, which was demolished in 2015. This unique and beautiful piece is titled ‘The Resurrection.’” I love the symbolism of the piece of artwork itself; though its original building was demolished, the stained-glass window was “resurrected” in a sense as it was given life again inside the Layton Temple. And it is fitting that it is viewed at the location where patrons go to unite families together for eternity—a witness of their faith in the resurrection and life after death. Interestingly, this wasn’t the only item from the Church that got a new home: the organ from the same building in Amenia was originally going to be sent to the dump, but it was instead donated to a Presbyterian church in Tennessee. It too was “resurrected” to receive new life. In Elder Uchtdorf’s most recent address in general conference he also told of a church building important to him that was demolished. He related, “When I think about my personal journey of discipleship, my mind often goes back to an old villa in Zwickau, where I have cherished memories of attending sacrament meetings of the Church of Jesus Christ as a child. It is there where the seedling of my testimony received its earliest nourishing. This chapel had an old air-driven organ. Every Sunday a young man was assigned to push up and down the sturdy lever operating the bellows to make the organ work. I sometimes had the great privilege of assisting in this important task. While the congregation sang our beloved hymns, I pumped with all my strength so the organ would not run out of wind. From the bellows operator seat, I had a great view of some stunning stained-glass windows, one depicting the Savior Jesus Christ and another portraying Joseph Smith in the Sacred Grove. I can still remember the sacred feelings I had as I looked at those sunlit windows while listening to the testimonies of the Saints and singing the hymns of Zion.” He sadly reported, though, that the “beloved old chapel isn’t there anymore. It was torn down many years ago to make room for a large apartment building.” He didn’t say what happened to that organ or those stained-glass windows, but perhaps they too were preserved in some other building.

Elder Uchtdorf highlighted, though, that what matters most are not building or physical artifacts, but our faith in Jesus Christ. He said, “My dear brothers and sisters, my dear friends, there’s a part of me that misses the old Zwickau chapel and its stained-glass windows. But over the past 75 years, Jesus Christ has led me on a journey through life that is more thrilling than I could ever have imagined. He has comforted me in my afflictions, helped me to recognize my weaknesses, healed my spiritual wounds, and nourished me in my growing faith.” As I participated in sealing ordinances yesterday evening with my wife, I was a witness as a child with the last name of Wise was sealed to his parents. Looking at that brought this scripture to my mind, “Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich” (Doctrine and Covenants 6:7). Wisdom, and especially that wisdom that leads us to eternal life, is of far greater value to us than riches and things of the world. The lyrics to a recent song by Ben Rector express a similar sentiment: 

So I am the richest man in the world

Father to a baby girl

And two boys that I know loved me

Was famous to a few good friends

And beside me til the end

Was my wife who is so lovely

And I don't know who could ask for any more

No I could not have dreamed of any more

I'm the richest man in the world

The richest man in the world 

When we have the gospel of Jesus Christ, and in particular the temple ordinances that bind us to our families, we are indeed the richest people in the world. Our faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and His redemption for us, with a promise that we can with those we love return to His presence, leads us to understand what really matters in this life. As Elder Uchtdorf quoted the Savior, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” His words are sure; His promises are forever; and His ordinances are binding even in heaven. And even if old stained-glass windows and church organs come to an end of their service in a building, our family relations and connection to Jesus Christ can be forever because of His triumph over death.