St. Elizabeth Catholic Church
2 East 75th Street
Kansas City, MO 64114
(816) 523-2405
St. Elizabeth Catholic Church is a vibrant, Christ-centered community whose primary purpose is to celebrate the sacred liturgy and the Sacraments. Empowered by the Sacraments, we are called to personal holiness, to spread the word of God, and to actions of generosity and compassion toward all of God’s people. We aspire, through prayer and action, to further God’s kingdom on earth.
St. Elizabeth parish was established on August 1, 1917, and the original church was dedicated on April 22, 1935. The current church, at 75th and Main streets in Kansas City (Architects: Shaughnessy, Bower, and Grimaldi), was dedicated on September 21, 1961.
The stained glass windows for the current church were made by Hopcroft Stained Glass Studio of Kansas City.
(Information from Further by Faith: Celebrating Art and Architecture of the Diocese of Kansas City- St. Joseph by Fr. Michael Coleman. Published in 2014 by the Diocese of Kansas City- St. Joseph)
The Windows in St. Elizabeth Catholic Church
On the east wall moving from the rear of the church toward the front (altar):
(Window descriptions are from the informational plaques mounted in the church near each window.)
Incarnation
“A Light to all Nations”
Christ’s coming as man exploded upon a universe cringing in gloom and darkness. There is a hint of darkness, earthen blue, out of which He comes.
The star, traditionally connected with His birth at Bethlehem, is shown only half formed, bursting forth with brightness, cascading its rays of light throughout the events of His messianic life. These events are depicted in the other windows on this side of the church.
Baptism of Christ
“This is my Beloved Son”
The dove represents the Holy Spirit and quite evident are the descending tongues of flame traditionally connected with the Pentecost event.
From the Spirit of God come the waters of baptism, dropping down (in the lower window) onto the earth and pouring out from the baptismal shell to form the river of sanctifying waters.
A gift to the people of St. Elizabeth Parish and to the glory of God to honor my parents Mr. and Mrs. John H. Vogrin by Catherin V. Merrill.
Christ’s Teachings and Miracles
Christ’s teachings are represented by the miracle most sacred to contemporary Catholics, the miracle of the loaves and fishes…sign of the Eucharist. The basket of loaves and fishes is depicted in the upper window and the Communion Host in the center of the cross.
His many miracles by the water jars of Cana, the place of His first miracle. The vibrant colors of the miraculous wine are evident in this window’s crystal like glass.
Given for the glory of God in gratitude for His many gifts and to honor Charles A. Aylward by his family.
The Blessed Sacrament Chapel
At the front of the church, just to the right of the altar, is the beautiful Blessed Sacrament Chapel.
The stained glass windows in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel were given to the glory of god by James and Dorothy Flanagan and James T. Clifford in thanksgiving to God for countless blessings.
On the west wall moving from the front of the church to the rear.
Resurrection
“I am the Resurrection and the Life”
The upper window shows the entrance to a tomb, shattered by a powerful force and stream of light…Christ’s resurrection bursting the bounds of death and giving bright new light to the world.
In the second century, the brightly colored butterfly, full of life and promise, was a common representation of Christ’s resurrection. The lower window depicts the new life coming from the “tomb” of the cocoon.
The lower portion of this window was given in thanksgiving for the beautiful gift of life by VJF and REF in 1984.
Ascension
“He Ascended into a Cloud”
The upper window shows ascending lines of color, suggesting the magnificence and power going heavenward from the arc which is the earth. The orb with the cross on top is the ancient symbol of Christ’s victory over death and suffering.
The lower window depicts the Old Testament ascension of Elijah in a flaming chariot, prefiguring Christ’s ascension. It was often used on ancient tombs, especially of those who suffered martyrdom
Donated for the glory of God by their children to honor Mr. and Mrs. Joseph F. Keirnan
Pentecost
“And the Flames, as in Tongues of Fire, Came down upon Them.”
In this window a strong pillar of fire that is the might of the Holy Spirit surges heavenward while leaving its mark on the assembled twelve.
They are faceless, unidentified, to denote the original twelve apostles and the on-going Church, who receive the Spirit of God, as well.
Above the nave/sanctuary, behind the choir/organ loft, on either side of a statue of the crucified Christ are two very tall windows with images of flames.
And on either side of the altar at the front of the church are two additional windows which carry the flame imagery as well.
Inspired Glass 