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This is an active congregation in the heart of Taipei. As their impressive new Church was being built, one generous member proposed to donate stained glass for the cross-shaped window soaring above the apse. This was 1980 and there may have been no art glass studio on the island. An international competition was fielded, I entered it with a proposal and two drawings, one inspired by waterfalls in Chinese scrolls, and one much like the image here, except that Christ had straight black hair and more eastern features. I was thrilled to win the job so early in my glass career.
A lengthy correspondence ensued with the donor and with the architect to resolve engineering and installation issues, overseas shipping and letters of credit. As the congregation favored a more traditional look for Jesus, His new face evolved from statuary at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Reims, France. Firmly crated, the sturdy panels reached their lofty abode without a crack, and have endured a number of earthquakes. Philip and I had the good fortune to visit Taipei in 1990, the congregation received us with open arms at Sunday service.
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