St_Henry — Rudolf H Buenz Stained Glass

St. Henry Catholic Church

Crafted & Installed 1957-1963

6401 Harding Pike | Nashville 37205

The Windows at St. Henry’s

Rudolf Buenz designed, built, and installed the stained glass windows for St. Henry’s between 1957 and 1963. Each window is filled with symbolism that weaves together the stories and themes within the Bible. Below are scans of the original concept art from the late 1950s and pictures taken in January of 2023. Over the past several years the windows have been restored in stages and are set to be completed in March of 2023, with the last remaining windows featuring the Virtues being returned to their spots in the late spring. The restoration has been done by Emmanuel Studio, which has undertaken restoration projects for a number of Buenz’ installations.

The theme originated from Father Leo Siener, and the choice of biblical references was made by Father James Niedergeses, both of the committee of Nashville Priests with connection to Father Ryan Highschool. The design itself and creation of the windows was done by Rudolf Buenz. The fourteen windows lining the sides of the hall are over thirty-seven feet tall and over six feet wide.

The original artwork for the Seven Virtues and Seven Vices windows used colored pencils, graphite, ink, and watercolors and each window art panel is only about 12 inches tall. There are small changes between these original mock-ups and the actual windows. The original artworks have been preserved behind museum glass under the care of Buenz’s remaining family.

The Seven Virtues

The Seven Vices

The Virtues to be emulated and the Vices to be overcome represent the choice that all of mankind makes to do good or evil. On the one side, the windows echo stories of those that made the right choice and whose actions radiate virtue, whereas the opposing windows echo the stories of sinful choices and victims of vice. The windows inspire Faith, Hope, Charity, Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance, while warning of Sloth, Envy, Gluttony, Anger, Lust, Covetousness, and Pride. Overlooking all is Christ depicted serenely caring for his flock in “The Good Shepherd” window.

The Good Shepherd

The Good Shepherd Window Features Christ caring for a flock of sheep, surrounded by biblical iconography filled with symbolism and meaning.

The Artwork for “The Good Shepherd” was drawn on semi-opaque tracing paper with graphite, ink, and watercolors. Alterations to this design in both color and arrangement can be seen in the design of the actual window above- such as the positioning of the dove in the lower left corner, the change in the size of the lamb held by Jesus, the addition of horns on one of the sheep in the flock below and the verse “There shall be one fold and one shepherd”.

This mock-up of “The Good Shepherd” is preserved under museum glass in the care of Rudolf Buenz’s surviving family along with many other such works.

A photo of the same Seven Vices mock-ups prior to completion

An old photo of an alternate design for “The Good Shepherd” window

The Design of the window that would become “The Good Shepherd” was created and then alterations were made to more closely resemble what the parish needed and wanted for the space. The original design featured a more ornate and gothic style with a much different feel.