Stained Glass Restoration Stories: Bethel A.M.E.

What Church Stained Glass Restoration Means To A Community

Church stained glass restoration, although sometimes expensive, is critical to the history of American churches of all denominations, breathes new life into congregations and brings absolute joy to parishioners. As such, it is something for churches here in Denver and across the country with stained glass windows to consider, whether those windows are small and simple or majestic and looming.

A Stained Glass Restoration Rich With History

A good example of how enriching stained glass restoration on a church can be is that of the sanctuary restoration of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Huntington in NY. This lovely church has the distinction of being Huntington, NY’s oldest African American church; something that carries with it a very deep-rooted history both of the area and of African American culture within it. This particular program cost about $50,00 and took two years but meant a lot to the parishioners, as they were preserving more than just their windows and culture but paying homage to those bygone parishioners that put so much into their church and their original stained glass windows.

The Deterioration Of The Stained Glass Windows

As you can see from the pictures below the stained glass windows in the sanctuary at Bethel A.M.E. are astounding and still true to the style of the time during their installation in 1924. But, over the years the condition of these once striking stained glass windows had deteriorated and in early 2016, Rev Larry D Jennings decided it was time to do something about their very bad condition; not only because the window truly needed it but because of the historical value and as a respect to the original generosity of those who paid, and likely sacrifice for them to be installed.

Paying For The Church Stained Glass Restoration

Paying for stained glass restoration can be expensive and finding funds a challenge. But, luckily for Bethel A.M.E. a town historian, Robert Hughes sought out grants from the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation for $20,000, them the Sacred Sites program of the New York Landmarks Conservancy for $10,000; and finally The Gerry Charitable Trust for $5,000. The remaining costs were covered by donations from the congregation itself. And the results could not be more breathtaking.

Stained Glass Restoration Guide And Pricing

If you have a church here in Denver with aging stained glass, which is likely the case if the glass is over 80 years old, having them restored is a way to breath new life into them and your congregation. Here at Scottish Stained Glass, in Denver, we can help guide you through the process, costs and even fundraising for stained glass restoration as well. Contact us today for more information and for a free consultation/stained glass inspection.