We see Christ risen from the grave in the center lancet. Angels announce his resurrection and the Roman soldiers who are watching the tomb dramatically crouch in awe while shielding their eyes from the vision of Christ. These images divide the window into three levels that symbolize Heaven, Christ Risen (but not yet ascended), and Earth. 

Above the image of the risen Christ is God wearing a gold crown and holding his scepter and orb, traditional symbols of kingly power, tell us of his divine authority. At the very top of the window is a small lancet with an angel in Heaven holding a golden crown and awaiting Christ,  portending Christ’s Ascension, which we celebrate 40 days after the Resurrection.

The Resurrection window was made by the London firm Heaton, Butler and Bayne and commissioned by the family of Clarence Melville Hyde in his memory. Mr. Hyde, who lived from 1846 to 1908, and his wife Lillia Babbitt, heiress to the Babbitt Soap fortune with her sister who was married to the brother of Clarence Melville Hyde, were active supporters of the rector, The Reverend Dr. M. George Thompson, who was pivotal in the design and construction of the third and current house of worship for Christ Church. This magnificent window is in the East wall of the transept above the doors to the foyer outside the chapel. It is one of a group of windows created for the new sanctuary in 1910. 

At the bottom of the window are the images of Isaiah, Paul, and John. They bear a banner with verses from the Gospel of John that capture the essence of Easter and the Christian faith, John 11: 25-26, “I am the resurrection and the life. He that believeth in me, though yet shall he live, and whosoever liveth in me shall never die”. These are the words used in the opening anthem of the Rite I burial service.

Note the outstanding  level of detail that is visible from the nail marks in Christ’s hands and feet to the armor of the watchmen. The city under Christ’s raised arm is thought to be Jerusalem. The dominant figure is of Christ wearing a white and gold garment (colors symbolic of purity and royalty, respectively). There are also deep reds in the window and the vibrant blue clothes of a watchman in the lower right. Flowers and plants are another marker of English windows. Here we can find palm fronds, Easter lilies, a delphinium, daisies, and cedars.

Deleted: This chapter of John tells the story of Lazarus, his sisters Mary and Martha, and Jesus’s visit. These verses are part of an exchange between Jesus and Martha, John 11: 25-27, Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.” (NRSV) 

Karen Royce