The Cathedral windows are unique, because the subjects are a mixture of traditional Catholic saints and modern secular figures, such as Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. To better appreciate this mix of modern and traditional subjects, one must understand Bishop James A. Griffin and Catholicism in the 1920s.

Bishop Griffin was born in Chicago to Irish parents and he grew up in a generation of Catholics who cherished their immigrant roots, yet identified themselves as 100 percent American. He also grew up in an atmosphere where Protestant Americans questioned the loyalty of Catholics because of their spiritual allegiance to the pope. The bishop wanted the cathedral church to be a statement about Catholic love of God and country and this statement is best seen in the windows.

Bishop Griffin wanted a series of windows that depicted the historical development of the Church with a focus on church-state relations. The windows on the north side tell the story of the spread of Christianity and its conquest over the threat of the barbarian and Turkish invasions. The windows on the south side tell the story of the church’s contribution to America.

Thomas A. O’Shaughnessy of the O’Shaughnessy-Kugal Studios in Chicago designed and manufactured the windows. O’Shaughnessy, inspired by traditional Celtic designs, became the foremost promoter of the Celtic aesthetic in the United States.

The artist used opalescent glass made to his specifications in Kokomo, Indiana using sand from Ottawa, Illinois.

O’Shaughnessy used a technique that he himself originated. Instead of using lead, he used copper and tin as the metal binders. According to O’Shaughnessy this new technique would make “the windows much stronger so that they hold the plane and do not warp or sag as leaded windows do.” He was correct. After 80 years the windows are in excellent condition, needing only minor repairs and a cleaning to be restored to their original splendor.

North Wall Windows

South Wall Windows