This Rose Window is the largest of the several dozen stained glass windows at First United Methodist Church. Together these windows depict the panorama of the creation of the universe and man; the story of man's failure, through lack of faith in his Creator; and the unfolding of God's purpose to redeem man, as prophesied in the Old Testament and as it found expression in the birth, ministry, teaching, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. All comes to a climax in the great Rose Window, located in the balcony of the sanctuary.

The Rose Window, often associated with great cathedrals, is not named because of its color but because of its shape; it resembles a rose in full bloom. The predominant color in this window is a rich, brilliant blue, with flashes of red, gold, and harmonizing colors. The window is believed to be one of the most beautiful in this area.

The large, twelve-point Rose Window contains a challenge and command to all who study it to carry the gospel, or good news, throughout the world. Its subject is the Great Commission. Thus, approximately three feet from the window's center, beginning at the nine o'clock position and running clockwise, is the verse:

At the center of the window is the Lamb of God (Agnus Dei). The lamb is crowned with a three-rayed nimbus signifying the divinity of the Son and it bears the banner of the Church Triumphant. It is accompanied by the Chi Rho symbol, an abbreviation of the Greek word for "Christ".

The twelve rose petals contain the symbols of the Apostles (Matthias having been substituted for Judas). Starting at the upper right (at one o'clock) and proceeding clockwise, they are as follows:

An open Bible and an escallop shell, signifying the Apostles' mission to preach and baptize, are alternated at the tips of the petals.

As worshippers turn to leave the sanctuary at the close of the worship service, they face this Rose Window with its challenge to go out and tell the story of Christ to their friends, their neighbors - to the world.

Information on the stained glass windows comes from the book "The Windows and Symbolism of First Methodist Church, Birmingham, Michigan", edited by Dr. Arnold F. Runkel and privately published by the church for its members in 1966.