Crafting a Vision: The Battle Creek Tabernacle’s Grand Stained Glass Window

October 26, 2023 in Aggrigate, Church And Religious Stained Glass, Featured Project

In 2023, our journey began when we were commissioned by the historic Battle Creek Tabernacle to undertake a remarkable task – the creation of a monumental stained glass window that would grace their sacred space. This 162-square-foot masterpiece would not only pay tribute to their deep-rooted history but also illuminate their path forward. Continue reading »

Steps Involved in Stained Glass Restoration for Churches

October 26, 2023 in Aggrigate, Church And Religious Stained Glass

Stained glass in churches serves as much more than mere decoration. These masterpieces contribute to the spiritual ambiance and historical significance of religious spaces. At Church Stained Glass Restoration, we understand that restoring these intricate works of art is a delicate process requiring specialized expertise. In this blog, we will walk you through the various steps involved in stained glass restoration for churches, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of what this complex task entails.

Initial Inspection and Documentation

The first step in any stained glass restoration project is a thorough inspection and documentation of the existing glass. Our team of experts will evaluate the condition of your church’s stained glass, looking for signs of deterioration, damage, or instability. High-resolution photographs are taken for documentation, which will aid in the design and restoration process later on. This initial step is crucial for determining the scope of the restoration work needed and provides a benchmark against which the restored piece can be compared.

Removal and Transport

Once the initial inspection is complete, the next step is the careful removal of the stained glass panels. This is a delicate process that must be done with extreme caution to avoid causing any further damage to the already fragile glass. The panels are then safely transported to our studio, where the actual restoration work will take place. It is essential to choose a company experienced in handling such sensitive artworks to ensure their safety during this phase.

Disassembly and Cleaning

Upon arrival at our studio, the stained glass panels are disassembled to facilitate cleaning and repair. Years of exposure to elements like dust, grime, and oxidation often dull the appearance of stained glass. Specialized solvents and cleaning agents are used to restore the glass’s original luster without causing any damage. This cleaning process is also a way for our craftsmen to inspect the glass even more closely and identify any hidden issues that might require attention.

Releading and Reassembly

After cleaning, the stained glass panels are ready for releading. This involves replacing the old lead came (the H-shaped channels that hold the glass pieces together) with new, more durable material. The glass pieces are then reassembled following the original design, which was documented during the initial inspection. This step ensures that the restored stained glass retains its historical and artistic integrity, making it almost indistinguishable from the original.

Reinstallation and Final Touches

Once the stained glass is restored, releaded, and reassembled, it is transported back to the church for reinstallation. The panels are carefully fitted back into their original positions, and any additional structural reinforcements are installed if necessary. The final touches may include perimeter framing or protective coverings to help preserve the stained glass for future generations. The entire process is overseen by our team of experts to ensure that the restored stained glass seamlessly blends back into its original setting, revitalizing the aesthetic and spiritual aspects of the church.

Contact Church Stained Glass Restoration for a Free Consultation Today

If your church has stained glass that needs restoration, do not hesitate to reach out to us at Church Stained Glass Restoration for a free consultation. Our team of experts is highly experienced in restoring these historical and spiritual works of art. Allow us to help preserve your church’s legacy and contribute to its future beauty and significance.

How Church Stained Glass Restoration Benefits Your Community

September 15, 2023 in Aggrigate, Church And Religious Stained Glass, Church Stained Glass Restoration

Stained glass windows have been an integral part of churches for centuries. These intricate works of art are reflections of faith, history, and craftsmanship. However, over time, many church stained glass windows fall into disrepair or become damaged. Restoring these treasures provides immense benefits for both the church and the entire community. In this article, we’ll explore the many reasons why church stained glass restoration should be a priority. Continue reading »

St. Edward’s: Custom Church Stained Glass Feature

September 9, 2022 in Aggrigate, Church And Religious Stained Glass

We’re proud to announce the completion of our recent custom church stained glass project for St. Edward’s church. Based in Pennsylvania, the church looked across the nation to find a studio to help with their project. They wanted to create a commemorative piece for their pastor that had recently passed away. They also wanted to create better function and privacy by replacing their big observatory window that overlooked the main street, helping hide the view during service. After speaking with various companies, they chose us to create this custom window.

The Custom Church Stained Glass Process for Pennsylvania

Since this project took place during the pandemic, we had to rely on electronic communications for the design process when we would’ve completed this in person. We designed a variety of versions of the tree of life design they had requested. During the review process, Father Rick mentioned that he was interested in creating another piece in the future that showed his favorite Bible teaching – Jesus on the Sea of Galilee. We decided to make this design and presented it. Father Rick and the church fell in love and chose this one for construction. We wanted to add depth to the design and did so through shading and painting. We also wanted to include some diversity among the figures that were in the stained glass and create calm waters to symbolize the calm after the storm. While we ran into some installation challenges, we were able to create a successful continuous piece.

Work With the Nation’s Leading Church Stained Glass Specialist

Church Stained Glass Restoration is honored to be the leading church stained glass specialist serving the nation. We do both restoration and custom pieces and would love to help you with your upcoming project. We’re grateful to have had the chance to create such a powerful piece. Contact us today!

Questions to Ask for Your Church Stained Glass Restoration Project

June 27, 2022 in Aggrigate, Church And Religious Stained Glass, Church Stained Glass Restoration, Stained Glass Restoration

All church stained glass needs restoration at some point in its lifetime. Whether you’ve recently started to notice signs of damage in your church windows like cracked or missing pieces, bowing glass, or sagging lead caming, or are thinking about the future and the conservation of your stained glass, it’s always a good idea to consult an expert. Continue reading »

7 Unbelievably Beautiful Churches with Stained Glass in the U.S.

May 15, 2022 in Aggrigate, Church And Religious Stained Glass

Stained glass was once used to decorate homes of the elite in ancient Rome. In time, church stained glass windows became prevalent as an essential decorative element for chapels, cathedrals, and other religious buildings. The clergy used the imagery depicted in the stained glass to educate and inspire the congregation. Today, stained glass continues to play an important role in churches, connecting the present with the past. Below, we’ve discussed seven of the most spectacular churches with stained glass in the U.S. Continue reading »

Restoring the Stained Glass Windows in the Historic Vernon A.M.E. Church in Tulsa

June 14, 2021 in Aggrigate, Church And Religious Stained Glass, Church Stained Glass Restoration

Over the years that we’ve been restoring church stained glass windows, we’ve gained a deeper understanding of how churches are connected to their community. In addition to their religious work, churches provide important services like education, public health services, charitable services such as clothing drives and food supply. They do this all without asking anything in return. Continue reading »

Why Is There Stained Glass in Churches?

August 29, 2019 in Aggrigate, Church And Religious Stained Glass

There is no denying that stained glass is lovely. From the towering windows of Notre Dame Cathedral to small windows on scores of local churches across the nation–stained glass is simply a delight to church members and communities. They have been delighting congregations for more than a thousand years. In fact, they span generations and denominations alike. Regardless of people’s beliefs from church to church, one fact that most agree on is–stained glass windows are simply enchanting. But why do churches have stained glass–beyond simply beauty. Is there something more to these pieces beyond artistic value? Why are they such a ubiquitous part of cathedrals and chapels across the US? As it were, there are actually a few reasons why stained glass is so prevalent in churches. Today we will highlight the two most prominent ones–spiritual and practical.  

The Christian Religion’s Relationship With Light

In the Christian religion, there has always been a special relationship with light. Stained glass in churches clearly represents this. In fact, it allows for the use of light in a particularly ethereal way. It is understandable then, that churches from Methodists to Catholic appreciate the play of light combined with the iconography so important to them. In Genesis, God’s first words were “‘Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3-4) With this type of reference to light so early in such a sacred book, it is easy to see why Christian churches would embrace light through stained glass. And accordingly, spend much time and energy developing a church feature that perfectly embodies God first gift to man. Stained glass windows in churches shine light into an otherwise dark interior, it casts out shadows and brings relief. Not unlike the God of Genesis. There is no doubt that early architects wanted light through the lovely ornate windows of old to play out much like it did in the Bible. They saw stained glass as a perfect way to highlight the spiritual truth of light while at the same time being functional. Ostensibly this happened over 1000 years ago, as, the oldest surviving stained glass window is found in the Augsburg Cathedral in Germany and was built in the 11th century. Since those days stained glass windows in churches have changed significantly. However, embracing the proverbial light of God has not. In fact, stained glass windows evolved in their relationship with the church over time to become more than just spiritually significant but practical as well. Eventually, these windows began to not only served as a representation of the light of God but as a critical teaching tool as well.

Stained Glass Symbolism As A Teaching Tools

 During medieval times, stained glass windows were the primary way to teach the poor about God. During this period, the masses were illiterate. Everybody lacked access to biblical stories in written form, save the rich and clergy. Bible stories were, therefore, easier to recount through the glass itself rather than books. It was more accessible and easier for the poor to understand. If fact, in some larger church windows almost all the important stories from the books of Genesis to Revelations played out in glass. Soon the saints too appeared on windows and helped inspire both the poor and rich struggling on their Christian journey. They lent hope to the hopeless in their time of need in a most lovely way. The stained glass and the light dancing light were the perfect primers for the Christian religion. As cathedrals grew in size and technology so too did the depth of the symbolism contained in the stained glass. The new colors achieved through evolving chemistry appeared on the windows and were given deep meaning. Read the list of the various ways colors and symbols came to have meaning on stained glass over time.

Stained Glass Symbolism Explained

  • Jesus: Represented by Lifelike images; cross; lamb; a shepherd
  • Holy Spirit: Represented by a flame; wind; a white dove
  • The Saints: Represented by an image of the man or woman; the name of the saint; the way the saint was martyred
  • Virgin Mary: Often depicted wearing blue robes; on her own or with her son
  • Black: Death
  • Blue:  Heavenly Love, Virgin
  • Brown:  Death
  • Grey:  Mourning, Humility
  • Green:  Spring, Charity, Life over death
  • Purple:  Royalty God The Father
  • Red:  Love, Hate, Martyred
  • Violet:  Love, Truth, Passion, Suffering
  • White/Gold: Innocence, Holiness
  • Yellow: Jealousy, Treason, Deceit

Why Stained Glass In Modern Churches?

Obviously, times have changed quite significantly since stained glass began adorning churches. Today most churchgoers here in the US can ready and don’t need stained glass to guide the way. However, stained glass on churches still remains revered and important. Beyond the Christian religion–many religions have come to embrace these lovely works of art. Today, rather than being a teaching tool for this generation, stained glass has become a way to preserve history for the next generation. Because today’s church stained glass has significant historical value. Furthermore, while still useful for conveying religious themes–it also has become very valuable secular art. Every window of every church here in the US has significant historical value since it was made in an era of what could be considered the last frontier. Furthermore, churches today often use stained glass windows to honor beloved family and patrons–making it valuable on a personal level. For these reasons, although stained glass in chapels and churches has changed over time, it is just as important today as it was 1000 years ago. It is an incredible asset for any church to preserve and restore when necessary.

 To learn more about the stained glass on your Church and whether or not it may need restoration, contact us at Church Stained Glass Restoration today!

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