Craftsmen from Stateville Stained Glass painstakingly lift and install the second half of the Rose Window in the Chapel above the stage as Claflin's President, Dr. Henry N. Tisdale and Dr. Leo Twiggs, the designer of the windows, witness an historic moment on the campus.

The stained glass windows, Dr. Leo Twiggs’ ('56) unique and thematic designs and the final and most exquisite addition to Claflin University’s James and Dorothy Z. Elmore Chapel have been successfully installed in the sanctuary.

Earlier this week, craftsman from Statesville Stained Glass, in Statesville, NC brought the windows to the University and began the delicate and painstaking task of installing the Chapel’s windows, whose intricacy of color and intense spiritually left visitors during the installation process in awe and lost for words.

One of the first to view the stained glass windows was Dr. Twiggs, who was asked by Claflin University’s President, Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, to create designs for the Chapel’s windows.

“I am overwhelmed.” Dr. Twiggs said as he walked slowly from the entrance of the Chapel through the sanctuary. It’s one thing to put something down on paper. These stained glass windows are in a class by themselves.”

Dr. Twiggs was referring to both the historical windows, which depict both buildings and individuals who were significant to the University’s past and development and also to the eight widows, four on each side in the sanctuary, which in design, color and symbolism capture the spirit and legacy of Claflin’s 138 year history. “These reproductions are exactly how we did them,” Dr. Twiggs added, nodding as he examined each of the windows.

Mr. Herman Keith, Director of the Arthur Rose Museum after studying the light from the windows whose delicate colors brought glowing hues into the sanctuary acknowledge Dr. Twiggs’ contribution to the Chapel. “Personalizing it is what added life.”

It was the decision and collaboration of Dr. Tisdale and Dr. Twiggs to look beyond the traditional strained glass for inspiration for themes, designs, colors and meanings unique to Claflin and the University’s heritage. According to Dr. Twiggs, Claflin’s president wanted something “abstract and expressive of the African and African American experience.”

 “The President’s vision was always an African and African American theme, Mr. Torilus. Ward, Director of Plant Operations reiterated as he personally supervised the two-day installation project and the successful installation plan that would be part of the history and legacy of the University.

This charge was immediately inspiring, Dr Twiggs recalled. “I began preparing for the designs by researching African textiles designs. Dr. Igwe’s textiles were also very helpful.” Then Dr. Twiggs went to his grandmothers quilts for colors and to batik, his medium, to conceive and finalize the stained glass designs. “I’m so carried away with this. Walking around and seeing sunlight come though.”

The rose window above the stage, a gift from Dr. Tisdale and Mrs. Alice Carson Tisdale, was the last of the windows to be installed. The second part and top half was being carefully carried up the ladder by two of the craftsmen as Dr. Tisdale arrived.

 “The rose window above the stage is a gift from Dr. and Mrs. Tisdale.” Dr. Twiggs explained. They were also the inspiration for the pattern and colors incorporated in the rose window. “The President and his wife compliment each other in a very special way. I tried to interpret their personalities with the colors that represent them.”

Dr. Tisdale, among those who needed time to reflect on both the beauty and the spiritual presence emanating from the stained glass windows, so unique and stunning in design, the Statesville’s company are displaying the images as examples of the company’s craftsmanship and creatively, later eloquently expressed his sentiments:

“The Chapel’s stained glass windows are awe inspiring and capture the spiritual essence of Claflin.  They symbolize our rich legacy and tell a story about the University’s African, African American, religious, architectural and academic history. They also represent the creative genius of our own alumnus and Distinguished Artist in Residence, Dr. Leo Twiggs.”

The James and Dorothy Z. Elmore Chapel is opened from 8am to 5 pm. Worship Service is held each Sunday at 9:30am lasting one hour.