| The traditional craft of church stained glass making dates back a thousand years; the technique has changed little for hundreds of years. Colored glass is cut to fit a design, and details are painted on the glass using enamel paints. The pieces of glass are mounted into panels using lead strips, and for greater strength they are backed at intervals by thin metal rods. There are usually several panels to each window. What distinguishes fine from mediocre stained glass is strength of composition, beauty and depth of coloration, and refinement of painting technique. The St. James windows are fine work. The colors are rich and glowing, but not harsh; the composition is pleasing to the eye; and the painting is sensitively executed throughout. The windows, originally installed in the old St. James on Buncombe Street, are the product of the Franz Mayer workshop in Germany, a studio renowned for the excellence of its painting.
After St. James moved to Piney Mountain in 1965, the windows were removed from the old building and placed in storage, where they remained for many years. After much discussion, an architectural solution was finally devised which would permit these traditional windows to find a harmonious installation in the more modern design of the St. James sanctuary. The backlighting enables the windows to be enjoyed both day and night.
On the wall behind the main altar is displayed the series of 10 windows which depict scenes from the life of Christ. The windows on the facing entrance wall feature our patrons St. James the Great and St. James the Less, as well as the gospel writers and the elements of Holy Communion.
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