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When Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (LTSS) completed its move to Hickory, North Carolina in January 2025, many defining features of the seminary moved along – its dedicated faculty, the Lineberger Memorial Library resources and its close-knit student body. One cherished element that could not make the move, however, was the stained-glass Pentecost Window from Christ Chapel. A generous donation ensured that LTSS could continue to carry this iconic symbol forward.

“Shortly after the move was publicly announced, I received an email from Dr. H. George Anderson, expressing his desire to donate a replica of the chapel window for LTSS to take to Hickory,” said Susan McArver, Ph.D., H. George Anderson Professor of Church History, now retired with emeritus status, who facilitated the donation. “It’s very moving and powerful to me that Dr. Anderson would think of us at this time and that this tangible artifact will help preserve a vital piece of our history as we move into the next chapter.”

Dedicated in 1967, the Pentecost Window depicts the descent of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove – the same symbol featured in the seminary’s logo. The five-panel window, which extends the full height of Christ Chapel, was designed by Willet Stained Glass Studios in Philadelphia and fabricated in Belgium. At the time, the window employed an innovative epoxy resin lamination technique, making it the first window of its kind in the United States. The result was a vivid, bold design that became a distinguished hallmark of the LTSS campus.

"The scale model of the Pentecost window at Christ Chapel serves as a reminder to alumni of the place, people and experiences we had on those sacred grounds and will always be a part of us,” said the Rev. David W Coffman '01, president of the LTSS alumni association. “Just as we are joined in the waters of baptism to Christ's death and resurrection, so too, are we joined with all who witnessed the window's glory in the baptisms, weddings, funerals, ordinations, ordinary chapels and holy communion."

The replica was originally conceived as a scale model for the full-size window before its installation in Christ Chapel. The model was then gifted to the Rev. Dr. H. George Anderson, former LTSS professor and president, as a lasting memento of his time at the seminary. He kept the window in his possession throughout his career, including his service as president of Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and later as presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

The 4-foot-wide, 3-foot-tall replica arrived at ���ϳԹ��� and has been installed in the front room of Russell House, home to LTSS in Hickory. Specialty movers trained in handling delicate cargo transported the window ensured it arrived safely.

“The Holy Spirit window represents the way the Spirit gifts us for public ministry in the church and the world,” said The Rev. Dr. Chad Rimmer, rector and dean of LTSS. “Dr. Anderson was a gifted historian and leader of our seminary, and we are grateful that both the legacy of the window and his gift continue to inspire our community in Hickory.”

With its rich history, striking design and carefully preserved legacy, the Pentecost Window replica now stands as a bridge between the seminary’s past in Columbia and its future in Hickory – a tangible symbol of faith, mission and community for all who pass through Russell House.