Al Smith Window

Historical context

Al Smith and the 1928 election

Alfred E. Smith, governor of New York, became the Democratic presidential nominee in 1928. He was the first Roman Catholic nominated for president by a major U.S. political party. His campaign faced anti-Catholic prejudice, and he did not win the presidency. Source: TIME, October 21, 2016.

Parish account

The window’s recorded association

The retained write-up titled “Al Smith Window” describes the window as a patriotic expression connected to Smith’s candidacy. It attributes the design to Barry Byrne and dates it to 1928, but supplies no original commissioning record or citation for those claims. These statements remain attributed to that account, pending verification. Read the retained write-up.

History Notes describes the front windows’ red, white, and blue colors as a reference to the American flag. A nearby heading, “Al Smith election,” gives background on Smith’s candidacy. These entries provide a research lead; they do not independently establish that this particular window was commissioned for his campaign. Read History Notes, “Eight-Pointed Stars” and “Al Smith election”.

Visible in the photograph

The upper panel contains an eight pointed pale blue star against red and orange glass. Below are three blue vertical bands separated by narrow geometric patterns. Pale green borders, teal side panels, and paired amber rectangles surround the central design. The dark frame includes visible opening hardware. No dedicatory text or maker’s signature is legible in this photograph.