God blessed Zebaoth with tremendous growth in its early years. Members had every reason to believe God would continue to bless the faithful preaching and teaching of his word with increased growth. Therefore, they wanted a church building that would have space for a growing congregation, and would also stand as a testament to their love for God and faith in his power. Pastor Tacke and others of his time believed that the French Gothic architectural style would best serve that purpose. This style of architecture was developed in France in the 1200s and is characterized by lofty arched ceilings, and towering walls filled with tall, narrow windows. The height was designed to draw the attention of worshippers heavenward. The massive building and the use of vast open spaces and light was meant to dwarf the person who entered, and thus reinforce the power and majesty of God, and the humble stature of mankind.

Zebaoth's building is a modern adaptation of French Gothic architecture. In fact, the city of Milwaukee has identified Zebaoth as the best (perhaps unique) example of this style of architecture to be found in the entire city. The pillars and side aisles reflect the "flying buttress" commonly used in Gothic buildings to support the high walls. The height of the church (54 feet from floor to ceiling, 90+ feet from street level to the top of the cross) and the tall clerestory windows certainly capture the essence of Gothic architecture.

The use of art was also an important aspect of French Gothic architecture. The most gifted scholarly clerics were given the job of devising the intricate designs and patterns for the sculpture and stained glass that adorned the churches. In fact, some scholars believe that the formation of early Gothic architecture was deeply influenced by the artistic efforts of these gifted clergy. It is a curious parallel that having chosen the French Gothic style, Pastor Tacke assumed the task of designing and choosing the Christian symbols with which to fill the church. Everywhere you look, the abundant and creative use of Christian images reveals Pastor Tacke's hand.

The following is a brief explanation of some of the images you will see around you in the church.

• The large stained glass window above the altar contains seven panels depicting the life of Christ.
  
  
  1. Jesus' birth announced to the shepherds.
  2. Jesus' birth.
  3. The boy Jesus in the temple.
  4. Jesus' sermon on the mount to his disciples.
  5. Jesus in Gethsemane.
  6. Jesus' crucifixion.
  7. The center panel shows the resurrected Jesus standing before the empty tomb.
     
     
  As your eye travels upward, you see a picture of Jesus ascending to heaven. The design of this window with an exterior wall and an interior wall of stained glass is very rare. We have been told that throughout Wisconsin, there are only two or three other examples.
  
  

  The west window of Zebaoth church.

• The east window above the balcony has the Lutheran coat of arms in the center circle near the top. The upper three circles contain images symbolizing the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The lower three depict the Means of Grace: the Lord's Supper, the Gospel, and Baptism. The main picture shows Jesus welcoming the little children. Also, in the lower panels you see the tables of stone representing the Law and the open Bible with the Greek letters representing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
  
  

  Center panel, east window.	East window.

  The upper section of the Zebaoth church east window.

• The tall, upper "clerestory" windows contain many different cross designs. One of them, called a gammion, resembles a swastika! (Remember, this symbol was used by Christians long before Hitler.) In these windows you will also find eight symbols representing Christ.
  
  

  A rose...the messianic promise. A lily...the annunciation. A Christmas rose...the nativity. A star...Epiphany. A candlestick...Jesus as the light of the world. A cross and crown of thorns...the suffering Savior. A pomegranite...Jesus' resurrection. A butterfly...eternal life.

  Clerestory windows.

• The side aisle windows depict eight of Jesus' parables. Counterclockwise from the front of the church on the north side you will find:
  
  

  Sowing the weeds among the wheat (Matthew 13:24-43). The Prodigal, or the Forgiving Father (Luke 15:11-32). The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:10-14). The Unfruitful Fig Tree (Luke 13:6-9). Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:4-7). The Good Samaratin (Luke 10:30-37). The Rich man and Poor Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31). the Sower and the Seed (Luke 8:5-15).

  Side windows.

• Follow the support pillars (i,e, pilasters) up and you will see symbols just above the level of the clerestory windows representing the disciples:
  
  

  Jude: a sailboat.  Simon: a book and fish.  Matthew: three purses.  Bartholemew: three knives.  Thomas: a square and spear.  James the lesser: a saw.  Philip: a cross and bread loaves.  John: a chalice and serpent.  James the greater: three shells.  Andrew: a boat hook.  Matthias: a Bible and double battle axe.  Peter: an inverted cross.  Paul: a Bible (with the words "spiritus gladius") and a sword.

  Symbol of James the lesser.

• On the pew ends you will find six symbols used repeatedly.
  
  

  A thistle representing the fall into sin. A hand representing God the Father. The bronze serpent created by Moses (a type of Christ from the Old Testament). A shell that represents Christ's baptism. A dove, a common symbol for the Holy Spirit. A cross and crown of thorns representing Jesus' suffering and death.

  Zebaoth pew.

  Dove symbol.

• Directly above the altar there are 36 panels, each displaying a symbol of Jesus' suffering
  and death: a bag with 30 pieces of silver, a rooster, Peter's sword, the scourges used to whip Jesus, a coat and dice, and so on.

  Altar panel.

In addition to all the images described, as you look around you will see many, many more. In ancient times and today, art serves to beautify churches and provides Christians with the opportunity to glorify God. In an earlier age when few people could read, this type of art also served as visual reminders of the important truths of our Christian faith. It can also serve the same purpose today. These Christian symbols reinforce the message of God's word.

This building provides the members of Zebaoth with more than just a place in which to worship. They have a church that, in both design and decoration, reflects their beliefs, inspires worshippers, and serves as an aid to worship.

We are grateful to our predecessors here at Zebaoth for their foresight and sacrifice in providing this place of worship for us to use and enjoy to this day. This church stands as a testament to the blessings of God and the love and devotion of God's people.

The east window of Zebaoth church.