Window #1 – Baptismal Font with Descending Dove

    The central symbols in this stained glass window are the baptismal font and the dove. The baptismal font represents the sacrament of Baptism, the rite of entry into the Christian faith. Its prominent placement in the shield highlights Baptism as a foundational part of Christian life. The dove, traditionally a symbol of the Holy Spirit, descended upon Jesus at His baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. In this emblem, the dove descending over the font emphasizes the gift of the Holy Spirit given in baptism to all who receive this sacrament.

    Together, the font and the dove express the belief that baptism is not merely a symbolic act but a sacrament which, according to the Small Catechism, “works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this.” Through baptism, believers are adopted as children of God and start a new life in Christ. Baptism “indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.” 

    Its placement in a heraldic-style shield underscores baptism as both protection and identity—the believer’s “coat of arms” in the faith.

Valentine & Anna (Wisian) Arnold

    Valentine Arnold (1849- 1933) was born in New Braunfels on February 14, 1849 to Julius Gottlieb Arnold (1809-1879) and Marie Koch (1823-1880). He was the oldest of ten children.

    On February 28, 1875, Valentine married Anna Pauline Wisian (1855-1929) in New Braunfels. Anna was born in Germany on December 24, 1855 to Jacob Wisian (1814-1879) and Louise Broecker (1817-1899). Anna was the eighth of nine children. Valentine and Anna had four daughters: 

  • Alice (1878-?) married A. H. Simon (1878-?) of San Marcos
  • Mary (1879-1957) married Charles Gebhardt (1875-1920) of Hillsboro and had three children (Andrew, Minnie, and Louisa)
  • Ella Minnie (1886-1985) married Fritz William Miller (1884-1947) of Kyle and had four boys (Hilmer Alex, Edwin Benno, Fritz William, and Leo Arnold)
  • Emma Louise (1891-1954) married Walter George Neuse (1885-1941) of San Marcos and had three children (Cecilia Louise, Justin Walter, and Marjorie)
  •  And one son: 
  • Beno William Arnold (1883-1979) married Lilly Ulbricht (1893-1974) and had three children (Harvey Charlie, Alton, and a child who died young). 

    It is reported that when the church was first getting organized in 1889, Anna spent many hours preparing for the organization of the congregation, riding in her buggy or walking from house to house to get people interested in joining her family in worship. 

    A few years later, the women of the church decided that a church building was needed. Again, Anna was instrumental in getting a petition passed and eliciting pledges for funding the church building. In November 1893 the first building was dedicated. It was built without a steeple and was located on a hill on Cotton Gin Road in Uhland. 

     Anna passed away on February 21, 1929 and Valentine joined her on February 7, 1933. They are laid to rest in Live Oak cemetery in Uhland.