University of Notre Dame – Corby Hall

A LOOK AT CONRAD SCHMITT STUDIOS’ WORK ON CORBY HALL

 

Written by: Conrad Schmitt Studios

 

 

Conrad Schmitt Studios, Inc. has been privileged to have a long relationship with the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, spanning almost 100 years. Since 1933, CSS has worked on nearly 30 sites on campus. Over half of these projects have involved stained glass. Notable work completed by CSS at the University centers around buildings in the Main Quad, such as the Basilica and the Administration Building. CSS gilded the Administration building’s “Golden Dome” in 1988, 2005, and 2023 – a campus staple.

 

Each Residence Hall on campus includes a chapel, many of which feature stained glass windows designed and installed by CSS. Corby Hall is one such project, featuring windows in a traditional style, with realistically rendered figures. The majority of the Studios’ work in Corby Hall was completed between 2019-2020, including 10 new stained glass windows. Included here is a map illustrating the windows in Corby Hall.

CSS artists depict Father Basil Moreau (Window 4, East Wall), founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, and Saint André Bessette, the first canonized saint of the Congregation of Holy Cross (Window 10, West Wall). Pictured here are the glass pieces fit together like a puzzle on specially designed light tables. CSS stained glass artists arranged these pieces within five major sections, creating a pointed arch design at the top of each window, known as a lancet. Typical of Gothic-inspired spaces, the pointed arch is a common theme in this style of architecture. Patterned glass surrounds the figures, showcasing a motif of the fleur-de-lis – a stylized lily flower symbolizing purity. Red halos surround Father Moreau and Saint André to further reiterate their sanctity.

At the bottom section of Windows 4 and 10, images are framed by the same red circular shapes used in the halos. These symbols help to provide further context for Father Basil and Saint André. Grouped in threes, the images provide numerical symbolism relating to the Holy Trinity in the Christian faith, representing God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In Father Basil’s window, there is a world map, a Gothic-style church, and a quill on top of a book with the inscription “Pédagogie Chrétienne,” French for “Christian education.” Father Basil was not only an ordained priest, but also a teacher. The inclusion of this book underscores the importance of education. This emphasis on learning reiterates the values and mission of the University to foster lifelong education.

In Saint André’s window, there is a pair of crutches, a domed church, and a slightly open door with keys. While keys might bring some viewers to think of the keys given to Saint Peter the Apostle by Christ, this symbolism specifically references Saint André’s first occupation as a doorkeeper at Notre Dame College in Montreal. According to the Congregation of Holy Cross’s website, visitors experienced “physical healings” with then Brother André, leading to a number of sick individuals seeking care. As his reputation spread, Saint André credited these miraculous events to Saint Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus Christ. The reopening of Corby Hall at the height of the pandemic in 2020 helped to celebrate community, serving as an important center for faculty, staff, administrators, and students to connect with one another.