When the choir would practice and bright sun would shine in through the windows, choir members were unable to see the organist. An immediate utilitarian, yet not terribly attractive solution to the problem was the installation of a black roll up shade. The late Maxine Henderson, a long time member of the congregation approached Fr. John Hagood, the former priest, and generously offered to donate funds for a stained glass window behind the organ to replace the “ugly black shade”. Fr. John Hagood agreed this was a wonderful idea and expanded on it and suggested all of the windows in the church be done. This was the genesis of the stained glass windows project at St. Peter ’s by the Sea.

A committee was formed by Leroy Henderson, Chr. Evelyn Fetzer, Jim Killian, Diane Vanek, Stukie Payne, and Trudy Turner. Leroy Henderson made the initial contact with Zac Hadley from Hadley’s Church Mart, Southport, who represented A&H Art and Stained Glass Company, Inc. It was decided by the Stain Glass Window Committee that all of the windows, including the four windows in the sacristy and the acolyte room were to be sold at the same price. Each side window would cost $750.00 per ½ window. In 1997 a Stained Glass Window Fund was formed and within three weeks the windows were sold. They were ordered in 1997, delivered and installed in 1998. Plexiglas was installed over the windows for added protection. It was noted that any monies left in the fund after payment of the windows were to be used for any damage and replacement of bulbs. In July of 1998 the Vestry approved the windows and they were dedicated at the August 9, 1998 church service.

Consideration and discussion was later given to the possibility of a very large window at the back of the altar. Mr. Zac Hadley took the committee to Kinston to show them some “Backlit” windows. The committee agreed to undertake this project. The size of the large window was 11’x23’ and cost approximately $22,000. The late Trudy Turner suggested the window be named “The Peoples’ Window” so everybody could contribute no matter how substantial or modest the contribution. Diane Vanek was most instrumental with all of her designs and prints, and together with the committee came up with the beautiful design and the scroll “Jesus Loves Me” at the bottom. Great pride and care was taken by the artisans on this project as they had to hand cut the center and ends of each piece of glass and special skill and detail was required for the cross at the top of the window. Trudy Turner, talented and accomplished in arts and crafts, took several of the original side windows, removed the stained glass and cut and made stars. The remaining original church windows were removed and donated to “The Hem of His Garment”.

December 19, 2004 was a very special Sunday for St. Peter’s By the Sea as it was Fr. Bert Eaton’s first Sunday and it was also the first Sunday the window was fully viewed. In the Parrish Hall you will find a roster with all of the names of the Donator’s of this cherished “Peoples’ Window”.