Our Session, the elected lay-leadership of a Presbyterian church, formed the first Arts Task Force in 2020 to examine Covenant's physical buildings and art to determine whether there were "representations that involve individuals or acts supportive of racism," and if there were, to “make a recommendation regarding their presence." For details on this process, watch the video at the top of the page.

In September 2022, the Arts Task Force recommended that the images of four individuals be removed from the stained glass windows in the east and west transepts of the sanctuary. These individuals were D.H. Hill in the Service Window; Benjamin Palmer, Stonewall Jackson, and Woodrow Wilson in the History Window.

The second Arts Task Force determined the above images should be replaced by those of individuals and organizations that played vital roles in the Presbyterian Church locally and nationally. The committee evaluated important 20th century leaders, especially women and African Americans who influenced the Presbyterian Church and theology. They also consulted with a number of experts, including the PC historian Erskine Clarke, along with Dr. Willie Griffin and Dr. Chris Cameron, professors at UNC Charlotte who specialize in African American History.

The selection of individuals for the new windows was based on the following criteria:

• Deep roots in the Presbyterian Church
• Influenced Christian theology and practice
• Important 20th century Presbyterian leaders the original window designers overlooked including women and African Americans
• Fit the historical context of the existing windows
• Tied to local and regional churches, seminaries, and/or Covenant
• Tells a history that includes and welcomes all to Covenant and builds bridges to the broader community
• Unanimous endorsement of Arts Task Force

Click on the name to download a PDF with a detailed description or biography.
Stapleton-Davidson Internship
This program funds Davidson College students to engage in full-time community service in Charlotte. Founded by Covenant members, George Donnell "Don" Davidson Jr. and his wife Anne Stapleton Davidson in 1989.

Rev. Dr. Daniel Jackson Sanders (1847-1907)
Born in Winnsboro, SC; Education: Western Theological Seminary (now Pittsburgh Seminary), 1874; Lincoln University, Honorary MA and D Div, 1875.

Rev. Dr. Katie Cannon (1950-2018)
Born in Kannapolis, NC; Education: Barber-Scotia, BS Education 1971; JCS Theological Seminary at ITC (Atlanta), M Div 1974; Union Theological Seminary NY, MA 1983; Union Theological Seminary NY, PhD 1989

Rev. Dr. Rachel Henderlite (1905-1991)
Born in Henderson, NC; Education: Agnes Scott BA 1928, NYU MA 1936, Yale Divinity PhD 1947

Rev. Dr. Elo Henderson (1908-1990)
Born in Shelton, SC; Education: Johnson C. Smith University, BS 1939; JCSU Seminary; B Div 1942

The Catawba Presbytery
Founded after the Civil War to equip teachers and preachers in the African American community, this institution made a lasting impact on Charlotte. Watch this video on the history of this important organization.

Once the individuals and institutions were chosen for the new images, the church turned to Willet Studios, the same prestigious stained-glass company that created the original windows when the church was completed in 1953. Covenant provided detailed research and reference for each person and story the church wanted to portray. Willet's team of artisans studied the color and drawing techniques to produce new windows that matched the originals exactly. To learn more about this process, watch the video titled "Ministry of Color."

Covenant's two window lancets with the new images described on this page were returned to our sanctuary the week of May 12, 2025. The church celebrated the installation with a special event on Sunday, May 25th, attended by the congregation, as well as the local community, friends of the church, and supporters connected to the people and institutions represented in the new windows. Covenant was deeply moved to host this celebration—the culmination of a five-year journey to recognize and honor individuals and organizations that have made vital contributions to the Presbyterian Church. These new windows highlight the essential work of women and African American churches and leaders within our broader community.