Christmas Ornaments

First-Plymouth’s 20-sided "Singing Tower" stands 171 feet tall and is a hallmark of the Lincoln skyline. Built in 1930, the tower’s 48-bell carillon was Nebraska’s first true carillon. It was expanded to 57 bells in 1990.

Sculptures of the evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are found at each of the tower’s four corners. Each is paired with a figure of his symbolic counterpart: St. Matthew, the angel, messenger of holy things; St. Mark, the lion, flashing courage of youth; St. Luke, the bull or calf, the animal of sacrifice; and St. John, the eagle, daring to soar into the highest of mysteries.

Above the main doors of First-Plymouth Congregational Church is a round blue window, or rose window, symbolizing the world, with a cross in the center. In the center of the cross is a head of wheat, a symbol appropriate to Nebraska, a great wheat state, and to Christianity. Wheat symbolizes the bread of holy communion, as well as the parable of the sower, giving it added Christian significance. It is the food of physical and spiritual life. The grapes on the cross represent holy communion and the passion of our Lord.

In the center of the apse of First-Plymouth Congregational Church, is the suspended low-relief sculpture of the Lord’s Prayer.

William Saltzman of Minneapolis, Minnesota, was commissioned to do the original work and utilized copper and braised welding techniques demonstrating their warmth and earthly qualities. His artistry of line and accent bring about an uplifting spirituality and oneness of the total prayer.

The Main Entrance
(Fourth in a series of 6)

Within the embracing courtyard of First-Plymouth Congregational Church is the welcoming Main Entrance. The blue marble above the massive wooden doors is emblazoned with Jesus' words in gold leaf,

Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest

This passage from Matthew 11:28 offers a comforting greeting to all who pass through the doors.

Window in the Nave
(Fifth in a Series of 6)

As you enter the nave of First-Plymouth Church during the day, the finely decorated windows allow the light of the world to enter the sanctuary. Silhouetted in the light of the windows are the repeated patterns of twelve fine-spun lead inserts, representing some aspect of Jesus Christ’s life, ministry or divinely guided purpose.

The Carillon Tower II 
(Sixth in a Series of 6)

This ornament is a reworking of the first in the series in 1999. It has been recast from a design by Bill Schlaebitz to match the proportions of the second through fifth ornaments. It shows in greater detail the southern view of the 20-sided "Singing Tower" that stands 171 feet tall and is a hallmark of the Lincoln skyline.