Portland Revival

The United Methodist Churches in the Greater Portland area, together with the Zion AME Church in Portland hosted a revival at the Deering Oaks Park in August. Although not well attended by the churches, a number of passersby stopped by throughout the day to listen to the awesome bands and hear inspiring preaching.

Worship Monkey Workshop

Pastors Gwyneth & Jamie attended a workshop in August on inspiring worship led by members of the conference in Congregational Development. We experienced different ways of reading Scripture, movement / dance in worship, and ideas for team planning of creative worship. If you would like to share your ideas for bringing more creativity into worship, please let the pastors know!

Greeter Ministry

Barbara Nelson faithfully schedules Peoples people to greet folks as they come into worship each Sunday. Pictured here are Doreen Gay and Elaine Rogers greeting during the summer.


Current church growth experts say that visitors make up their minds about a church in the first 30 seconds! A friendly smile and some helpful information (like, where's the bathroom?!) can go a long way to making our guests feel welcomed. If you might like to give this ministry a try for a week, please contact Barbara Nelson. There are openings beginning in January.

Preaching Series on the Windows

Submitted by Art Tordoff with assistance from Belle Graney, and comments on the meaning of the windows by Pastors Gwyneth Arrison. The pastors used this summer as an opportunity to preach on each of the windows in the Sanctuary, which will end with the re-dedication of the Rose Window on September 7.

The stained glass windows in the Sanctuary of Peoples United Methodist Church depict The Life of Christ and were designed by William R. Jack. The windows on the sidewalls of the sanctuary are The Nativity, The Boy Jesus In the Temple, The Good Samaritan, The Sower, Jesus Preaching in the Boat, The Good Shepherd, Gethsemene and The Last Supper. These windows were installed in 1949. On the back wall of the Sanctuary are the Crucifixion, Ascension and Resurrection. They were not dedicated and installed until 1953. The Founders Window above the main entrance to the church was rededicated as it was the only window that had been originally installed in the old church at the corner of High and School Street in Ferry Village High and School Street in Ferry Village. The Tree of Life that serves as a natural border for the Founders was not placed in that location until the late 1960’s.

Colors in Stained Glass Windows have significant meaning. When you look at the windows think of what the colors are telling the observer as well as the pictured story.
White: Joy, Innocence, Purity, Faith, Life and Light
Red: Martyrdom, Passion of our Lord, Love and Suffering
Green: Life, Hope and Youth
Violet or Purple: Repentance (the union of love and pain), Suffering, Sorrow, Humility and Truth
Black: Death and Mourning
Blue: Symbol of Heaven, Sincerity and Piety
Clear Yellow: Goodness and Faith (When dingy yellow is used it denotes faithlessness, deceit, and jealousy
From An American Annual of Christmas Literature and Art , 1972, Augsburg Publishing House

Stained glass windows are beautiful pieces of art, but they also facilitate our worship by inviting us into the stories they tell and making the Scriptures come alive to us. When we look at the Good Shepherd holding the lamb, we may picture Jesus holding us. When we look at the crucifixion window, we may picture ourselves at the foot of the cross and be moved to confession and forgiveness. During Holy Communion we may use the Last Supper window in our prayerful preparation to meet Jesus at the Table. We hope that the preaching series this summer has helped to deepen our understanding of these windows as well as to deepen our worship and love for the Lord.

The Nativity:
History: This window was given to the church by the Brooks Bible Class which originally had been started by Mrs Charles A. Brooks, the wife of Reverend Charles A. Brooks who had pastored Peoples in 1912. Mrs. Charles A. Brooks lived with her son in the parsonage of Peoples when he, Charles F. Brooks was pastor at Peoples from 1926-29. She passed away while living with her son and daughter in law. The window was dedicated to Ms. Julia Boltenhouse, a long time member of the class and her father Edwin Boltenhouse who had served in several capacities in church life. For many years the Sunday school held their annual picnics early in the 20th century at the Boltenhouse cottage at Pine Point. The Boltenhouse home at 155 High Street was left to the church upon the death of Julia in 1918 and for some time served the church as rental property before being sold in the early 1930’s. Ms. Boltenhouse was a public school teacher and served at the East High Street School. She also served as a long time Sunday school teacher. One of her students was Etta Woodbury Robinson.

Meaning: This window reveals the story of Jesus' birth, told in Luke 2:1-20. In this window we see Mary and Joseph, and the star shining from above that would guide the magi.

Boy Jesus in the Temple:
History: Given to Peoples by Meredith and Leland Trefethen in memory of Bernice Trefethen, their sister. Both of these gentlemen were active members of Peoples and local businessmen. Both Meredith and Leland Trefethen owned and operated an automobile dealership and auto repair shop, located on the corner of Broadway and Cottage Road, where in recent times Pratt-Abbot Dry Cleaners has existed. In addition to the window the Trefethens also gave the pews that grace the sanctuary at 310 Broadway.

Meaning: This window tells the story from Luke 2:41-52 of the boy Jesus at age 12 spending several days in the Jerusalem Temple among the teachers who are amazed at his understanding, and the shock of his mother Mary and step father Joseph to find him there when they had supposed him to be among the caravan back to Nazareth. The scrolls in the window reveal that the topic of their Temple conversation was Scripture, and also challenge us as disciples to be continuous students of the Bible. The white robe on Jesus represents his divinity and righteousness. The censer at the top would be used for burning incense and represents the Temple as a place of worship for the community, as well as study. The red hem on Jesus' robe represents his sacrificial life, even here in his submission to his earthly parents to travel back to Nazareth rather than remain in "his Father's house." The dingy yellow robe worn by the teacher represents our faithfulness as humanity; Jesus would be the one sent by God to lead us back into right relationship with God and each other.

The Good Samaritan:
History: The Manter Class had been named after Zebulon Manter, an active member of Peoples Church from the early years of the 20th century. He had served in many capacities in church life including Steward and Trustee. He also served for a number of years as the Sunday School Superintendent. He and his wife owned the Manter farm located at the time on Mitchell Road across the Cape Elizabeth line. Many Sunday school picnics were held on the Manter farm. Mr. and Mrs. Manter were known to drive to church each Sunday in Ferry Village in their horse and buggy. In the eyes and hearts of Manter class members Zebulon Pike had served his church and community as a Good Samaritan.

Meaning: This window tells the story from Luke 10:25-37. The sacrificial love of the Samaritan is represented in the red robe, and the dingy yellow robes of the others who did not come to help represent their unfaithfulness.

The Parable of the Sower: This window was given in memory of Mr. and Mrs. James Sutherland by their children, Karl Sutherland and Lelia Sutherland Moore. Karl Sutherland was a member of Peoples having been a member of the Sunday school in the 1920’s. His Community gifts included serving in many capacities as a police officer in South Portland. Lelia Moore was active in all aspects of church life, but especially in women’s groups. She also served as the Cradle Roll keeper for over 30 years. She too was active with the Red Cross and nursing organizations including the group of nurses that sponsored the Well Baby Clinic that operated in Knightville for many years. Mr. and Mrs. James Sutherland both served in leadership at Peoples. Fannie as the leader of the Ladies Aid Society. Fannie also was the director of the Junior Department of the Sunday school. This is the only window in the sanctuary that does not feature Jesus as the focal point.

Meaning: This window tells the Parable of the Sower, and its interpretation as found in Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23. The Sower wears a white shirt with a red stole, surely meant to represent the divinity of Christ and his sacrificial love. The seeds of God's grace are scattered everywhere, even on unfruitful soil represented in the window as the birds devouring the seeds on the hardened soil, the rocky path, and the dingy green spiny weeds. Yet when the soil of our heart is receptive and free of rocks and weeds, the seeds of God's grace are capable of producing a supernatural harvest, 30, 60, or even 100 times what was planted, represented in the window by the purple fruit.

Jesus Preaching from the Boat: Dedicated in the memory of Doris Blake Campbell and given by Mr. and Mrs. Arthur W. and Etta Blake and Mr. Walter Campbell. Arthur Blake was the first member of the church to serve as Financial Secretary while the Treasurer became a separate function. Mrs. Blake could often be seen in the kitchen at many functions held at Peoples. Doris Blake Campbell was one of their daughters who married Walter Campbell. Tragically she died in childbirth. Both she and Walter had grown up in the church. Walter remained very active at Peoples while operating a grocery store in Ferry Village.

Meaning: Jesus preached from the boat in Mark 4:1 The blue background in this window most likely represents more than sky, but the Kingdom of God which Jesus is proclaiming. The position of Jesus' right hand represent blessing, and his standing position represents his authority. Again, the divinity and sacrificial love of Jesus are represented in the white and red clothing.

The Good Shepherd: Given in memory of Mr. and Mrs. William Studley. The list of members of the trustees in a booklet published for the Fiftieth Anniversary of Peoples included William Studley’s widow, Lucy. According to available church records Mrs. Studley was the first woman to have served in such a leadership role. It is believed that Etta Robinson “baby-sat” the Studley children when they were young. Mr. Studley and his family built the house that his family lived in on Pine Street. Later the home was purchased by Etta and George Robinson Sr. for their family home. In recalling her days in the house, Belle Graney said that the Robinson children all thought the house was haunted by the ghost of one of the Studley children, Willie, was purported to have committed suicide in the house. When it came time to purchase windows, Etta Robinson was on the committee and is believed to have convinced the remaining Studley offspring to dedicate this window to William and Lucy.

Meaning: Jesus claimed to be the good shepherd in John 10:1-15, and the early Christians also proclaimed Jesus as the great shepherd as in Hebrews 13:20. Jesus holds one of the sheep, representing protection and salvation. The sheep in Jesus' arms may also represent the parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15:4-6. The parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25:32-46 may also be represented through the sheep and goat at the left and right of Jesus' side.

The Garden of Gethsemene: Given anonymously. No information is available on the selection of this window and who may have paid for it. The stained glass window company in one of its sales brochures in the 1950’s featured two of the Peoples windows. This was one of the two.

Meaning: As related in Matthew 26:36-46, Jesus prayed prior to his arrest and crucifixion. We see in the picture the posture of kneeling in prayer, and the light shining down on Jesus in the darkness. Again, the red robe depicts his sacrificial life and imminent death.

The Last Supper: Given in memory of Mr. and Mrs. John J. Campbell by their children including Walter Campbell, Warren Campbell, Dora Campbell Ayres, Gertrude Campbell and Marion Campbell. Walter was mentioned in the dedication of Jesus in the Boat. His brother Warren became a pastor serving throughout New England for many years. His wife Martha was the sister of Walter’s wife, Doris, and the second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Blake. Their sister, Dora, married Philip Ayres who became a well-known Tenor singer in the Portland area. Doris at one point served as organist of Peoples. Gertrude and Marion both became secondary school teachers of English and Math respectively. Both taught for many years at South Portland High School.

Meaning: Jesus celebrated the last passover meal with his disciples before his crucifixion as related in Matthew 26:26-30. However, other stories also come to mind in the picture such as when Jesus revealed himself to the disciples "in the breaking of bread" after their walk to Emmaus in Luke 24:13-34. The position of Jesus' right hand represents blessing. The disciples are in communion together at the table, one in the position of prayer and the other in fellowship. The one loaf also represents this unity in Christ.

The Crucifixion, Ascension and The Resurrection. There are more than 50 folks for whom this most significant grouping of windows at the back of the sanctuary are dedicated.

Meaning: Represented in Luke 23:26-24:50, and continued into the book of Acts, these events mark the culmination of Christ's atoning work on earth and his victory over death that is our hope who trust in Christ. The window on the left depicts the crucifixion, the window on the right depicts the resurrection, and the center window the ascension of Jesus to the right hand of God the Father.

The Rose Window: Given in memory of John W. Woodbury by his wife, Leona. John was the sister of Etta Woodbury Robinson. Another brother would as an adult move to Vermont. As young people they were orphaned when John was four, Etta was 8 and Edward was 6. Their Grandparents brought them up. One set of grandparents lived on High Street and during the winters the children lived there. During the summers they lived with another set of grandparents on Orrs Island where the grandfather served as the lighthouse keeper on Half Way Rock. John was very active at Peoples serving in leadership roles in all areas, but especially as superintendent of a Sunday school that numbered over 300 members. He was the father of Harvey Woodbury and also (Roberta Woodbury) Woods. John was one of the founders and leaders of Maine Steel off lower Mussey Street. Eventually that business was better known as Portland Copper and eventually Rockwood Industries. This window was the other window featured in a brochure of the stained glass window company. Interestingly, the company claimed that the window was located in a church in Dallas, Texas but there was no denying the dedication to John W. Woodbury at the bottom of the window.

Meaning: The alpha-omega sign is perhaps most significant in this window theologically, representing the eternal work of Christ "who was, and is, and is to come" as revealed in Revelation 21. In addition, the Chi-Rho is an early Christian symbol that represents the first two Greek letters of the word Christ. The ornate background facilitates worship and meditation, but only of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who is central in the window.

Other significant stained glass windows at the entrance of the church

Founders Window: The Founders of the Church are honored in the stained glass window above the main entrance to the church. The date of founding was 1853 and the names that appear in the window include: Stephen Hubbard, John Robinson, J.W. Pillsbury, Levi Strout, Caleb Loveitt, Jeremiah C. York, and Joseph Thurston. The John Robinson that was listed as a founder of peoples was no direct relation to the John Robinson for whom the Peace and Easter windows in the foyer are dedicated.

Vine of Life: Dedicated to the work and lives of Walter and Helen Winchenbach. Walter was the founder of the Portland Rubber Company and found solace in his dedicated work at Peoples. He was extremely active in assisting finiancial projects of the church. It may have been the influence of the Winchenbachs that led to the choice of property for the present location of the church as they lived nearby on Mussey Street. Helen was also active in many of the groups including the Brooks Bible class and Ladies Aid that in time became the Women’s Society of Christian Service. She was especially involved in both local and foreign mission projects. Their children, Richard, Priscilla and Robert were responsible for initiating and dedicating this welcome addition around the Founders window.

Dove of Peace and Easter Windows: Given in Memory of John Robinson by the family. John was one of the sons of Etta and George Robinson and the brother of George Jr., Betty (McGouldrick), Belle (Graney), and Henrietta (LaRue). John was married to Kathleen Christiansen and together they had two daughters, Johann and Martha. Belle described her brother with the following words: “John was one of the most wonderful men that ever lived.”
He served the church in many capacities, but most often he would be remembered by young and old alike as a caring and dedicated usher every Sunday.
These windows were crafted by and acquired through the Phoenix Glass store in Portland. Ms. Jane Croteau was the designer and developer of these beautiful and lasting memorials to John Robinson.

While this series of vignettes are exclusively related to the windows of Peoples many other memorials to the saints of Peoples can be found throughout the Peoples buildings as well as the sanctuary.