Kansas and Missouri are well known for their many churches, many of which were made in the late 19th and early 20th century. One thing a lot of these churches have in common is many of them need restoration of their stained glass due to damage and wear and tear over time. In fact, if your Kansas City church was built before 1930, your glass to may need some sort of restoration. The question many church patrons have and you may have too is–which is better restoration or replacement? That is something only your church body can ultimately answer but we can give you some guidance on the benefits related to keeping your stained glass.
The Key Benefit Of Restoring Stained Glass
We like to say the main reason for keeping stained glass and restoring it rather than removing it boils down to value. However, value can be broken down into three things.
Restoring Kansas City Church Stained Glass, Rather Than Replacing Keeps Its Value
- Kansas City Church Stained Glass Has Historic Value: Many Kansas and Missouri churches were built in a changing time here in the US at the turn of the century. The world was changing as new inventions like the telegraphs, telephones, cars, and planes came into existence, The stained glass made here in Kansas was simply built in a different time and keenly reflects that era. This means the glass on your 80-100- year old Kansas City church has some pretty significant historical value. No, it may not be worth its historical value in cash but you simply cannot put a price on preserving a bygone era. Therefore you Kansas City church stained glass is something very valuable and a prime candidate to restore not replace.
- Kansas City Church Stained Glass Has Sentimental Value: Just like historical value, sentimental value is real but hard to quantify. But, there are likely church members who have experienced many of the most important events of their life beneath the stained glass windows of your KC church. This means the stained glass windows have born witness to baptisms, funerals, and marriages. For the sake of those members and future generations restoring your stained glass windows, is something that benefits the body as a whole.
- Kansas City Church Stained Glass Has Monetary Value: Actual monetary value is always something to consider as well. If your KC church windows are very old (over 100 years) they are antiques and well worth restoring rather than replacing. However, some stained glass windows in the Kansas City area could have been created by famous artisans or studios. In these rare cases, restoring them is essential. To know the exact monetary value of your church’s stained glass windows you will have to have them assessed by a professional. However, even if there is no significant monetary value, the aforementioned values are often reasons to have your church stained glass restored in lieu of replaced.
For more information on stained glass restoration here in Kansas City or to schedule an assessment, contact us at Kansas City Stained Glass today!
