Trinity College Chapel

Stop #1: Trinity College Chapel Building

Philip H. Frohman

Stop #2: Trinity College Chapel: Ogilby and Brent; Emerson and Thoreau Windows (American Friendships)

Rowan K. LeCompte

The theme of the Chapel, as well as several of the stained glass windows, is friendship. The Ogilby and Brent; Emerson and Thoreau windows depict several figures interacting with each other. The first shows an introduction between a Trinity man and Saint Peter, along with Bishop Brent with a cross and globe on the right. The second window shows Emerson accompanied by Thoreau. Both Emerson and Thoreau are surrounded by figures interacting with their environment.

Stop #3: Trinity College Chapel: Lancelot and King Arthur; Hamlet and Horatio Windows (Friends and Literature)

Earl Edward Sanborn

Earl Sanborn created rough sketches for two windows that would be installed in the Trinity College Chapel. The first design depicts the heroic knight Lancelot and King Arthur; while the second design shows the Shakespearean character Hamlet, fainting into the arms of his close friend Horatio.

Stop #4: Trinity College Chapel: Roland and Oliver; Virgil and Dante Window (Medieval Friendships)

The Roland and Oliver window shows friendships in a medieval form. Bishop John Williams and Dr. Samuel Hart were both men closely associated with Trinity College, and are depicted in this window as warrior-comrades. The second part of the window shows author Dante and companion Virgil walking through Purgatory, and then receiving a vision from Beatrice.

Stop #5: Trinity College Chapel: David and Jonathan; Philip and Nathanael Windows (Biblical Friendships)

Earl Edward Sanborn

The David and Jonathan; Philip and Nathanael Windows are representations of ancient friendships depicted in the style of the Torah, or the Hebrews’ Holy Book. Both windows are dedicated to members of the Trinity College community, Professor I. T. Beckwith, and the members of Alpha Chi Rho fraternity.

Stop #6: Trinity College Chapel: Damon and Phintias; Aeneas and Achates Windows

Earl Edward Sanborn

The Damon and Phintias; Aeneas and Achates windows are examples of classical friendships. Damon offers to take the place of his friend Phintias, while Phintias runs home to say goodbye to his family before his execution. The other story depicted in the windows is the story of Aeneas and Achates, who fled from Troy together along with Aeneas’ family.

Stop #7: Trinity College Chapel: The Last Supper Window

Earl Edward Sanborn

The Trinity College Chapel features many examples of stained glass painting, a medieval glass art still practiced in gothic revival ecclesiastical architecture in the 1930s.

Stop #8: Trinity College Chapel: The Wolsey Window

Earl Edward Sanborn

The Wolsey Window represents the architectural style of England in the 16th century. The window was created using stone from the kitchen of Whitehall Palace in London, England, which was commissioned by Cardinal Wolsey.

Stop #9: Trinity College Chapel: Baptismal Window

Rowan K. LeCompte

The Baptismal Window by artist Rowan K. LeCompte, who completed the window at just 18 years old, depicts Christ being bathed in rays of light by a white dove flying over him.

Stop #10: Trinity College Chapel: The Windows Over The Crypt Altar

Earl Edward Sanborn

The windows in the Crypt Chapel were designed by Earl Edward Sanborn in 1930. The three windows represent various scenes from the death of Christ by crucifixion.

Stop #11: Trinity College Chapel: The Great East (Te Deum) Window

Earl Edward Sanborn

Stop #12: Trinity College Chapel: The Rose Window

Earl Edward Sanborn

Stop #13: Trinity College Chapel Sculpture

John Gregory Wiggins