Our Stained Glass Tradition

Sunlight dancing on gems
The practitioners of this craft gravitated to Winona more than a century ago and remain today.

Winona shows off its stunning jewelry
As an island of culture in the untamed frontier, many of the city’s businesses and churches built lavish structures, often employing noted architects such as George W. Maher, Purcell & Elmslie and Charles G. Maybury. Extensive stained-glass windows were an integral part of their designs and the world’s finest craftsmen were hired to make them.

The Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels was built by the Sisters of Saint Francis as the crown jewel of the Saint Teresa Campus. It is operated by Saint Mary’s University under the auspices of the Diocese of Winona. The chapel is a popular setting for weddings.

A vision of vertical lines built from locally quarried limestone trimmed with red Fond du Lac sandstone, the church was built in 1893. Designed by Bullard and Bullard of Springfield, Ill., with stained glass windows from the Wells Glass Co. of Chicago.

The windows were designed by Eugene Marggraff and installed by the Conway Universal Studios. They were dedicated on May 22, 1955. Glass imported from England, France, and German was mouth-blown and contains many small bubbles and variations that deflect the light and color. Some of the glass is thick Norman Slab which produces deep rich colors. The windows tell the story of God in relationship to God’s people.

First Congregational Church, UCC, was the first church in Winona and the oldest congregation in southeast Minnesota. Parishioners and visitors alike enjoy the historic “Rose Window,” a gift by the Sunday School children of the late 19th Century.

This is the fourth building to house this congregation, replacing the previous Central United Methodist Church which stood on this site until destroyed by fire in January 1961. The tower of the original structure, designed by Lorenzo Wheeler, was saved and joined by a new church building of complementary design.

Designed by the Winona firm of C.G. Maybury & Son and finished in 1889, this building has nearly 100 fine windows. Most are in private offices but many can be seen from hallways.
About twenty windows are in public areas such as stair wells, restrooms, the library and other rooms that are open if not in use. Take the elevator to the 5th floor and explore downward.

Produced by Mosaics Art Shops of Minneapolis, the large stained glass windows were inspired by earlier works of Louis C. Tiffany. Also stop into the lobby to see the original cash vault, which was used until the renovation in 1972. While it may appear portable, the ball-shaped unit weighs approximately 15 tons.

The historic part of the current Winona History Center complex, the old Winona armory was constructed in 1915 with crenelated brick battlements. Around 1937, the battlements were removed and a concrete cap was placed on top of the building. The battlements have now been restored.

Tiffany Studios created the center ceiling cove from George Maher sketches. The most impressive art glass window in the building is the huge, colorful window placed over the entrance on the West side of the building. A lotus pattern is apparent in the large art glass window, and Maher’s Prairie School influences are also evident.

Nestled in the Mississippi River Bluff town of Winona, Watkins has been America’s pioneer in natural living since 1868. As America’s original natural apothecary manufacturer, Watkins uses only the finest natural ingredients in its diverse lines of personal care, home care, remedies, and organic flavorings.