The Rehnberg Memorial Window

Clockwise from top: The Celtic Cross, a symbol of the Christian Tradition , The Star and Crescent Symbol of the faith of Islam. The Sanskrit characters which are pronounced Ohm, the Hindu symbol of ultimate reality. The Mogen David (Star of David) symbolizing Judaism. The Yin-Yang of Taoism which symbolizes the interrelatedness of life. The Eight Spoked Wheel symbolizing the Eight-Fold Path of Buddhism. The central figure is the Flaming Chalice, symbol of Unitarian Universalism

The REHNBERG MEMORIAL WINDOW was created by Rockford, Illinois, artist, Frank Houtkamp, in 1974, on commission from the family of Axel F. Rehnberg (1883-1966), an inventor and co-founder of Rehnberg-Jacobsen Manufacturing Company. In 1958, Mr. Rehnberg was made a knight of the Royal Order of Vasa by King Gustaf VI Adolf of Sweden.

The interlocking of the six circular representations of the six major religions of the world indicated that they all share in the same quest for meaning.

The central symbol of the Flaming Chalice represents Unitarian Universalism's willingness to accept whatever insight each of the major traditions may offer - as well as a determination to explore all new claims to truth and understanding.

Commenting on his design, Frank Houtkamp wrote:

One of the less talked about advantages to living in this universe is that if you draw a circle and six other circles identical to it on each of its 60 degree radii the same distance from its center, the six will all invariably lie the same distance from each other. Simple mathematics offers various reasons and even "proof" of this fact based on equilateral triangles, parallel lines, etc., but these reasons are only tools to understanding - related phenomena - but equally mysterious and unprovable. Still, there is an underlying truth within them without which they could not exist. Symbolically depicted in the six circles are six traditional paths mankind has taken to experience and recall this truth. Despite their differences, they are all bound by the laws of the universe. Like the interlocking circles, these laws are overlapping, infinite, and elusive. Each is a mirror image of the center, but each encompasses infinite variety.

Pins, mugs, T-shirts, and sweatshirts depicting the window are available from the Church.