Alpha and Omega Roundel
Phipps, Ball & Burnham 1920
7 21/2” x 39”
Lewis H. Moss
Joseph H. Moss
DESCRIPTION: The red roundel encircled with shades of blue holds the monogram of the Greek letters Alpha, in yellow and Omega, in white.
SYMBOLISM: Alpha (A) and Omega (Ω) are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet and signify that Jesus is the beginning and the end of all things: "the First and the Last." Alpha and Omega is an early symbol representing Christ and has been found in the catacombs, on Christian signet rings, on post-Constantine coins and on mosaics of ancient churches.
MEMORIAL: The window is dedicated to a father and son. Joseph H. Moss was born in the Bahamas in 1846, and worked in Key West as a carpenter. On February 15, 1873, eh married Lydia E. Pierce, daughter of Lewis E. Pierce and Sarah Jane Albrey Pierce Chalice Roundel (Window #16). Lydia was born circa 1853 and was about 20 at the time of her marriage; the groom was about 27. The wedding was performed by Charles A. Gilbert, rector of St. Paul's.
Joseph died prior to 1900; Lydia lived on for many years. She was a teacher at Sears school and listed herself as Head of Household in the 1900 census after her husband's death.
Their son, Lewis H. Moss, was born in 1873 or 1874 in Key West. He was Deputy Collector for Customs, and lived at 700 Fleming Street, the site of the present Monroe County Library. On April 8, 1904 he married Mary Baldwin. The ceremony was performed by The Reverend A. B. Friend, S. J. of the Roman Catholic Church.
Lewis died on June 1, 1917.
The Chi Rho Roundel (Windows #15) and Chalice Roundel (Window #16) are also dedicated to family members related by blood or marriage and make up a single window in the lower level of the south
transept.
Source: The Golden Cockerel: The Art, Symbolism & History of the Stained Glass Windows, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Key West, Florida by Winifred Shine Fryzel.
Please consider making a donation to St. Paul's so that we may continue our work, including the stewardship of our beautiful grounds, buildings, and windows.
Login To Leave Comment