Our Parish has a beautiful stained glass window dedicated to the memory of our former rector, Rev. Henry Breul. Depicting a Phoenix Rising, this window symbolizes our parish and its ability to thrive through a difficult time.

The phoenix, a mythical bird that never dies, is associated with the sun and has been a symbol of the resurrection since the end of the first century C.E. Legends of the phoenix are found the ancient stories of many cultures. In Jewish mythology (as well as the Arabic), only one phoenix may exist at any time. The bird lives a long life (1000 years in the Jewish version), and as its end approaches builds a pyre nest, setting it on fire and being consumed by the flames. After three days the phoenix rises from the ashes, reborn.

After the 1970 fire, the study group established to determine the future of St. Thomas’ took on the phoenix as its symbol. Their report was called the “Phoenix Rising Study,” and the symbol of the phoenix became St. Thomas’ icon.

This stylized symbol was used on church announcements, programs for choir concerts and sometimes the Orders of Service. The special program for the March 2, 1982 rededication of St. Thomas’ featured the phoenix on the back. On the front of the program was a stylized drawing of the windows in the Upper Room with the tree branches showing through. (The Rt. Rev. John Walker presided at that service. He rededicated the space where we now worship and blessed the new carved altar, chairs and lectern made by artist Michael Semsch.)

A few years later Hilton Baxter, then organist/choir director, asked parishioner Alice Hudders to create a more music-related icon to be used for choir concert programs and other musical events. She created a Renaissance lute player that became the symbol of St. Thomas’ music programs and replaced the phoenix on concert posters and programs.

In 1988 a Parish Opportunities Committee was established to once again look at the future of the parish. Their report became known as “Phoenix Rising II.” From this study came a recommendation that the parish further enhance its space and move more confidently into the future. The time had come to “retire the phoenix.”

Alice Hudders’ talent was tapped again. As the renovation of the building to what we have today was completed, a new medallion with vines and leaves graced the covers of the Order of Service. As the December 15, 1989 Bulletin article said, “…it was time to… find a symbol that would reflect the more permanent feel and outlook represented by our newly renovated building. …The vine and branches are … an ancient symbol of the church, but they also mimic the carvings on the altar front and represent the garden we so lovingly tend for our city neighborhood….”

Yet the importance of the phoenix as a symbol of our heritage has remained. The program for the choir concert marking the centennial of the parish in 1991 included Peter Hallock’s “Phoenix,” a work scored for voices, cello and harp, and organ. And, of course, the phoenix remains a powerful Christian symbol, one we claim as the people of the resurrection.

On September, 25, 2005, St. Thomas' celebrated the worship of The Rev. Henry Bruel, the sixth rector of the parish, by dedicating a stained glass window, commissioned by the parish, depicting the Phoenix Rising.  Rev. Bruel led the parish through the fire that destroyed the original sanctuary in August 1970 and made St. Thomas' the diverse and welcoming parish it is today.  View photos of the event at The St. Thomas' Parish Online Gallery.