St. David’s Replaces “Water Wall” with New Stained Glass Window

St. David’s in Topeka recently replaced its “water wall,” a focal point of the church’s narthex near the entrance to sanctuary, with a new stained glass window. The water feature had become difficult to maintain and operate due to its age.

A committee of parishioners was formed to explore options for the water wall space.  The group agreed on a custom stained glass window and began researching artists, settling on Don Bearden of Creative Stained Glass, located in the Kansas City area.

Don met with the group and listened to a variety of ideas for the look of the window. He collected all of the ideas from the group into an initial design, which the group loved.  The window features depictions of water, the rolling hills of the Flint Hills, the Holy Spirit, and St. David’s beloved Christus Rex, created by artist Lester Raymer.  Especially meaningful is the inclusion of scripture, “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an everflowing stream.” – Amos 5:24. 

Deacon Susan Byler, with input from the committee members, explained the signifcance of the scripture, saying, “We were searching for a scripture verse to put into the window design, and the theme of water entered into our discussions to honor the original water wall that the stained glass would replace. Ann Palmer thought of the verse from Amos, and remembered that it was a verse that Martin Luther King Jr often quoted. We all loved this idea, as we felt that it represents the heart of St. David’s social ministry, our desire for social justice and fairness for the marginalized in our communities, and the hope that God’s love will make things right in the world. We all felt that this verse (positioned in the window in the stream of water, running through the flint hills above it) sums up the spirit of our church. The entire window design is truly representative of God, St. David’s and northeast Kansas.”

The window was celebrated and blessed on January 11, 2026 with Don Bearden present. From conceptual stage to final installation took about six months. The project was funded in entirety by donations from the congregation.