IHS Roundel
Phipps, Ball & Burnham 1920
7'3" × 39"
Lena Victoria Baker Born Sept. 14, 1846 Died June 18, 1908
DESCRIPTION: The IHS monogram is contrasted against a ruby background and encircled with shades of blue and green. The golden "I" of the monogram is in the shape of a Latin cross with trefoil ends. The "H" and "S" are of white glass enhanced with a simple design.
SYMBOLISM: One of the most familiar monograms as a symbol for Jesus, the IHS is of a later date than the Chi Rho monogram. Dating from the 8th century, it is derived from the first three letters of the Greek spelling for Jesus, iota, eta, sigma. It evolved into an abbreviation for "IHEUS," the way Christ's name was spelled in the Middle Ages. The monogram was used by St. Ignatius of Loyola as a symbol for the Jesuit Order.
MEMORIAL: Little is known of Lena Victoria Baker, born in the Bahamas on September 14, 1846. Although a review was made of al available records, only St. Paul's burial records and the cemetery listed her. Lena Victoria never married; she died on June 18, 1908 and was buried in Key West.
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.
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