Renowned Japanese Artist Chooses All Pilgrims Christian Church to Receive "Pentecost" and "Sacred Light"

Keiko Miura, world-renowned Japanese stained-glass artist, has chosen Seattle's All Pilgrims Christian Church to receive two generous gifts of liturgical art. The first gift is the seven-paneled "Pentecost," a brilliant modern stained-glass creation in multiple hues of red. It depicts, in abstract form, the scene of Pentecost from the biblical Book of Acts. The window is stunning in both low and radiant light, each emphasizing unique aspects and themes. All Pilgrims Christian Church was originally chartered on Pentecost Day (2003), hence this gracious gift takes on still greater significance for the congregation and community.

Keiko Miura's grand-scale stained glass work appears around the world in churches, hospitals, libraries, parks and -- in the case of the Nagano Sports Complex, home of the Winter Olympics (1998) -- an athletic stadium. Miura studied at Doshisha Women's College in Kyoto, Japan and the Harvard Art School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In order to capture the essence of light present in the four distinct seasons experienced in Japan, Miura created her own stained-glass medium, in which thick pieces of exquisitely colored glass are held in place by a unique formula of glass and black epoxy resin. This original technique she has called "Roclair." Her work is beautifully presented in the book "Glass Art: Keiko Miura."

All Pilgrims Christian Church is a new congregation in urban Seattle which was birthed out of two historic churches, First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and Pilgrim Congregational Church (United Church of Christ). All Pilgrims is growing rapidly and features a vibrant life of worship, music, inclusivity, social-service and a witness for peace. Miura is deeply commited to peace and Christian spirituality. Her windows appear in numerous churches in Japan, including several of the United Church of Christ.

Keiko Miura is a Christian who attributes the inspiration for her work to a deep prayer life. Says Miura, "I hope, through my work, that the viewer will gain energy from God. I hope that they hear the voice of God... Art can bring peace throughout the world. It is stronger than any weapon."

Following consultation with the pastors, the Reverends Peter Drury & Mark Travis, a second gift was granted. "Sacred Light" is a tall three-dimensional window in blue and crystal which graces the eye like a deep blue icy stream. The window is distinctive for its jagged pieces of clear glass protruding toward the viewer with striking elegance.

The story of the donation will be written up in greater detail in days to come, but significant credit is due to the Reverends Hallam & Helen Shorrock, who served for over forty years as "Living Link" missionaries in Japan from the predecessor congregation, Seattle First Christian Church. Through relationships nurtured over many years, a common Christian faith, and a lasting dedication to the understanding of God as Love who calls us to Peace, a tremendous shared appreciation developed with Keiko Miura and her artwork. Helen Shorrock is deceased and Hallam Shorrock resides in Claremont, California.

Asked their response to the remarkable gifts, Co-Pastors Peter Drury & Mark Travis describe that they are overwhelmed with joy and gratitude, and that upon seeing the artwork they were transformed by tears, humility and inspiration. They feel deeply honored to provide a home for the artwork and to feature Keiko Miura's work in the City of Seattle. They believe the outward expression of Miura's internal prayers for love and peace will inspire countless numbers of people through many years ahead.

Photographs are currently available for viewing at: www.allpilgrims.org and greater details will be shared in writing in the near future. Planning for installation of the windows will take time, with a possible date of Pentecost 2005 (May 22, 2005) being considered for an official ceremony of celebration. Questions may be directed to office@allpilgrims.org.

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View pictures of the stained glass
Pentecost | Sacred Light