When I was a kid, I enjoyed looking through Highlights magazine in the waiting room of doctor’s offices. One of my favorite features was the Hidden Pictures puzzle. I loved searching the illustration for all those little objects cleverly tucked away among the details.

That probably sounds like a strange lead-in to a blog post for the Lutheran Heritage Center & Museum. However, I promise, it does have a purpose!

Because sometimes the most fascinating stories are the ones hiding in plain sight.

If you walk into Trinity Lutheran Church in Altenburg, you will immediately notice the beautiful stained glass windows that fill the sanctuary with color and light. They are works of art that have been admired by worshipers and visitors. But if you take a closer look, you’ll discover that these windows tell stories—stories of faith and history that helped shape this congregation.

While the upper portion of each window features distinct images in full color, the bottom portion is what I would like to “highlight” (sorry, couldn’t resist!) today. Just like those Hidden Pictures puzzles I enjoyed as a child, these windows reward a closer look. Beneath the obvious beauty are smaller details and hidden stories waiting to be discovered.

These beautiful works of art were created, designed and donated by Robert and Diane Schmidt in 2009-2010. The Stained Glass Shop of Sainte Genevieve, MO made and installed them.

Here are images of the eight windows featuring these “hidden” pictures: symbols of the Lutheran Church, reminders of the 1838/1839 Saxon Immigration, and objects connected to the immigrants’ homeland of Saxony, Germany.

Most of the windows contain three symbols hidden within the design, although one window has two and one window has only one. Take a close look and see how many you can find!

I’ll share the answers after the pictures.

The answers, as chronicled in the booklet “Stained Glass Windows, Trinity Lutheran Church, Altenburg, Missouri.

Picture 1:

1. A fan – represents what was used for cooling before air conditioning was installed in 1987.
2. The Red Spires (Rote Spires) – are the iconic 12-century Romanesque, redbrick towers of a former monastery in Altenburg, Germany.
3. The bell – which represents Trinity’s church bell, which was donated by the young Men’s Society for the cost of $503.05.

Picture 2:

1. Trinity – represents the core doctrine of one God existing as three distinct co-equal and co-eternal persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
2. New York – represents a group of Lutheran immigrants that joined Martin Stephan’s original group landing in Wittenberg in 1839.
3. Baptism bowl – which has been used in every baptism at Trinity Church. It was brought over in the immigration of 1838.

Picture 3:

1. Dove – is a primary symbol of the Holy Spirit representing God’s peace, love and grace.
2. Loaf of Bread – symbolizes the body of Christ and the unity of the church which does not crumble easily.
3. Fish – is an ancient symbol of Jesus Christ.

Picture 4:

1. Bible – which holds the Word of God.
2. Money Chest – which held the communal funds of the immigrants. It was said to hold 125,000 Thalers ($80,000 – $90,000).
3. Anchor – is a symbol for hope in Christ.

Picture 5:

1. Pitcher – for the wine used during Communion.
2. Missouri – where the Saxon immigrants ultimately settled.
3. Germany – where the immigrants started their journey to religious freedom.

Picture 6:

1. The Altar Cross – was brought from Germany by the Saxon immigrants in 1838. It was crafted in Oberammergau, Bavaria in southern Germany.
2. Fleur-de-lis – symbolizes the Holy Trinity (three petals representing Father, Son, Holy Spirit) in addition to the Virgin Mary’s purity, as well as being linked to St. Joseph.
3. Louisiana – The immigrants left Bremerhaven, Germany in November 1838 and arrived in New Orleans in January 1839.

Picture 7:

1. Ship – sailing vessel of the immigrants of 1838
2. Chalice – used until 1967 when a new chalice was commissioned on Reformation Day, when Trinity celebrated the 100th anniversary of the present church.

Picture 8:

This one isn’t really hidden as it contains only the one picture. On May 8, 2009, a severe inland hurricane with winds of 75 to 105 mph hit Altenburg, Missouri. The historic steeple of Trinity, dating back to 1867, was knocked down onto the roof. Church services were held outside until it was considered safe to worship indoors again.

Did you find them all?

Like those Hidden Pictures puzzles I enjoyed as a child, these windows remind us that there is always more to discover when we take the time to look closely. At first glance, they are beautiful examples of stained glass art. But a closer look reveals layers of meaning—symbols of faith, reminders of the journey of the Saxon immigrants, and connections to the people and places that shaped this community.

That is what makes historic objects so fascinating. Whether it is a stained glass window, a family document, or an everyday item from the past, each one has a story waiting to be uncovered.

The next time you visit the museum, be sure to ask to see inside Trinity Lutheran Church and take a moment to look beyond the obvious. You might just discover something you never noticed before!

Until next week! Denise Hellwege, Director