St. Simeon’s by-the-Sea Celebrates 100 Years of Stained Glass Windows

NORTH WILDWOOD — St. Simeon’s by-the-Sea, has one of the most unique sets of beautiful and expressive displays of stained glass windows.
Since 1898, when the first summer Episcopal prayer book services were held, until today St. Simeon’s has a warm and welcoming congregation. Worship services were held in various locations until the first church building was completed in July 1901. This building was located at Maple and Pacific Avenues in Wildwood. The growth of the congregation and the need for expanded parking led the church governing body (vestry) to purchase the property located on Central Avenue between 25th and 26th streets. The cornerstone for this new parish was laid May 1, 1968. and in June 1975 the congregation was able to attend services in the new building.
The first of our stained glass windows was given and installed 100 years ago next year. This window was given in memory of the founding priest and rector. It is a depiction of St. Simeon on the Holy Name Day of Jesus.
During the decade of the 50th anniversary (1956), various members of the parishioners gave a series of windows that depict the “Good News of Jesus Christ’, the Gospel. These windows were moved from the Maple and Pacific Avenue church to the new church building. The magnificent entrance doors are also in stained glass and were created by the Baut Studio.
Of the 14 windows portraying of the life of Jesus, 11 are signed by the artist Valentine d’Ogries. He was Austrian born and emigrated to America in the early 20th century. Eventually, d’Ogries established a studio in New Hope, PA. It was while he was working on a commission in Trenton, that St. Simeon’s was fortunate to engage his talents to create the series of the windows. Other windows were created by the Willett Stained Glass Studio.
Tours of the artistic stained glass windows will be held on Saturdays beginning July 16 and weekly thereafter through Sept. 10 from 11 a.m. – 12 noon followed by a brief piano concert. A ‘free will’ offering for the benefit of the ‘Organ Restoration Fund’ will be appreciated.
St. Simeon’s is quite excited about this upcoming summer activity and hope that residents and vacationers will join us for one (or more) of these very special events and times.
Sat. Window Tour and Piano Concert 11 a.m. – 12 noon: July 16, 23, 30, Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27 and Sept. 3 and 10.
St. Simeon’s is located at 25th and Central Avenues, North Wildwood, NJ. Ample parking.