Stained glass windows are durable by nature. Nonetheless, sometimes life just happens. There are a number of things that can ruin the health and integrity of stained glass – hail, hot summers, powerful winds, and even rambunctious human beings. Even if your stained glass never suffers any catastrophic trauma, it may still degrade, like all things worldly, from the passage of time. If this happens, you have a couple options available. You can opt for stained glass repair. Or your Kansas City church can replace the stained glass entirely. Which is best for you depends entirely on your situation. Let us explain.
There is perhaps no art form more elegant and appealing than stained glass. For hundreds of years, stained glass has retained its prominence in religious architecture, bring light, radiance, and color to the holy places where it resides. In the light of the sun, it shines like an opalescent gem, and its texture and intricate detail create an aesthetic so fascinating that it’s hard to look away.
Stained glass is not only a beautiful feature for a church to possess, but it’s also traditional. Once used as a way to spread the messages in religious text, stained glass has played a significant role in religious history, and continues to do so today. Many churches, around the world and in Houston, add custom stained glass to their building as a way of honoring tradition.
Did you know that some of the longest standing stained glass windows in Dallas are over one hundred years old? That’s right, some of Dallas’ church stained glass is close to one hundred and fifty years old. Looking at Dallas’ stained glass is like looking back in time and seeing history unfold right before your eyes.
Stained glass can last for thousands of years, so long as it gets the care it needs. But if cracks and chips aren’t fixed when they occur, the stained glass can perish. Stained glass usually starts to lose its structural strength around the 75 to 100 year mark. If your stained glass is nearing this age, you may need cathedral stained glass restoration in Dallas. Keep reading to learn more about what to expect for the repairs.
If your church has antique stained glass windows, you are extremely fortunate. Antique religious stained glass is absolutely gorgeous and is becoming extremely rare these days. However, it’s important to take good care of your stained glass and make sure you check it regularly for possible signs of deterioration.
Cracks, chips, and other structural issues should be remedied as soon as they are noticed, otherwise you run the risk of losing your church’s valued artwork forever. With stained glass restoration for your Denver church, repairs can be easily addressed and the lifetime of stained glass can be prolonged for several decades longer.
If you love your Fort Worth church’s stained glass but the time has finally come where you and/or your church body realize it is time for repairs or restoration, then you are in good company and good hands. Most churches with stained glass over 80 years old desperately need repairs or restoration at this point because this is about how long church stained glass built in the early 20th century was built to last. And, Scottish Stained Glass, as it happens is just the restoration expert you will need to help you get your stained glass back to tip-top shape. Below is a list of the most common flaws church’s like yours are likely seeing right now and an idea about how each is remedied.
Failed/Missing Sealant: Sealants and glazing compounds used in church stained glass will dry out at some point. The small cracks in these sealants let water through and that is not good for the life of the glass, lead or frame. Sometimes we are able to reseal these on the window, but often times we would prefer to remove the entire window to thoroughly reseal, restore and replace.
Cracked Or Missing Glass Pieces: This type of damage is common. Cracks, depending on their size and shape can be repaired with a lead overlay or glue. However, missing pieces of stained glass have to be custom made in our studio to match. Sometimes we can do this without removing the window, other times we need to remove the whole window and do a total restoration.
Broken Pieces And Damaged Lead Caming: A stained glass panel with a lot of breaks in the lead really needs to be removed from its frame in order to be repaired–sometimes in just the affected section can be re-leaded. However, if the caming damage is extensive–it is best to have the entire panel and even window re-leaded.
Frame Damage: Frame damage is common because often times, even if your church’s stained glass has been repaired from time to time, the frame has not. Sometimes we can repair damaged wood with the application of epoxy resins and/or specialty fillers but badly damaged or deteriorating sections of the frame may need to be entirely replaced.
Detached Reinforcement Bar: Large panels on stained glass windows absolutely need support. This often time comes in the form of steel bars, other times copper ties, for additional strength on the frame. These bars are soldered directly to the lead. If these bars are loose or detached bulging and then eventually failure will occur. The only way to fix this is with the removal of the panel and re-soldering of the bars (or sometimes copper ties)
If your Fort Worth Church has any of these types of stained glass damages or others you don’t see here, reach out to us at Scottish Stained Glass for a free inspection and assessment of your church’s stained glass window damages. We are always happy to meet with you and let you know what is going on and how we will fix it!
Church Stained Glass Restoration In Action from Stained Glass Denver – Sub on Vimeo.
We talk a lot about stained glass restoration here at Scottish Stained Glass because it is such a relevant topic for almost any church over the age of about 80 years that has stained glass windows. However, we also do a ton of custom stained glass for residential and religious clients looking to enhance their home or church aesthetics. The reasons churches come to us for custom stained glass vary but below we have listed a few reasons our religious clients have found themselves.
One of the most obvious benefits/reason for custom stained glass for churches is–it is simply gorgeous. The stunning colors and divine themes combined with the glow of the San Antonio sun through these windows add an ethereal touch to any house of God. It is an enhancement that simply makes sense to elevate the religious experience in a church, chapel or synagogue.
Custom stained glass is a great way to pay tribute to a member of a church that has passed by the family of friends. It is also perfect for living members who want to give the amazing gift of lasting stained glass, full of life and luster, that will honor their generosity for years to come. Since stained glass is so very customizable, these types of donations are easily able to be a reflection of the donor’s life and legacy in the church.
If your church already has stained glass windows, you probably already realize what a gift it was from the former generation of parishioners. Likewise, by having new, custom stained glass installed you are giving the next generation the gift of history–something that is incredibly valuable and only possible through the aging of the stained glass. Our custom stained glass is of the highest quality and will likely last 150-200 years before needing serious restoration!
For more information and a quote on custom stained glass for your San Antonio church, contact us at Scottish Stained Glass in San Antonio, today!
Make no mistake about it–having your Austin church’s stained glass repaired or restored is a fairly large project that will consume a good amount of time, and, depending on the size and scope of the project, cost you into the thousands of dollars range. But, don’t let that scare you away. Church stained glass restoration is a very rewarding undertaking and will likely bring your church and even community closer together. Furthermore, by asking yourself, your congregation and your church stained glass restoration company a few integral questions, you can very much streamline the process.
1. How Will You Raise The Money For The Church Stained Glass?
Cost is always an issue for churches because they often need to fundraise to get the funds for the restoration. Be sure to ask church members how far they are willing to go to get the funds:
Will church members donate themselves?
Will you do fundraisers?
What kind of fundraisers?
Are you willing to write proposals for grants?
2. How Will Decisions On Appearance, Budget And Timing Be Made?
Knowing who will be in charge of key decisions in the restoration process is critical.
Will There Be A Church Committee To Manage The Stained Glass Restoration?
Will there be a point person on the committee?
Who will be that point person from your church?
3. How Long Can You Realistically Be Without Your Church’s Stained Glass?
Knowing how long your windows will be missing and whether your church has upcoming events in which our temporary windows will not do, is an important part of the process.
If your church windows are not in place for the holiday season will that be an issue?
What about for summer or upcoming weddings?
Timing really is everything, so taking a good hard look at the best season for restoration is key.
1. Does Your Churches Stained Glass Need Repair Or Restoration?
Before you spend any of your valuable time and money on your church’s stained glass windows, be sure to ask and understand whether your church’s stained glass needs repairs or restoration or, in some cases, is even salvageable. So many things hinge on which type of job your church stained glass is in need of–timing, cost, where the windows will be worked on and much, much more.
2. Is The Restoration Company Insured?
Hiring a stained glass repair company that is insured is a must. Should an accident or injury happen on your church’s property, you could be held liable if they are not properly insured. Any reputable stained glass restorer will have full insurance and proof of it.
3. How Long Will The Restoration Take
The stained glass restorer you choose should be able to give you a good ballpark time estimate. Of course, things could change a bit once your Austin church’s stained glass windows are out and being repaired but having an idea of timing is important to your church’s events and fundraising efforts.
4. How Much Will The Church Stained Glass Restoration Cost?
As church stained glass restorers ourselves, we know that giving churches a rock solid estimate on cost is a must, since they will likely have to raise the funds from scratch. Any reputable restoration company will be happy to answer questions on cost and scope–readily at that.
These questions are a good jumping off point. For more information on these questions or if you have a few in mind beyond these, contact us at Scottish Stained Glass in Austin today!
Church Stained Glass Restoration In Action from Stained Glass Denver – Sub on Vimeo.
Perhaps you’ve noticed that the stained glass windows in your church look a little bit cloudy or murky. Or maybe the lead is turning a greyish-whitish color. Or, even worse, pieces of the stained glass are cracking or falling out of place. Either way, your stained glass is clearly in need of some TLC. But what do you do? Do your stained glass windows need minor repairs or would it be better to replace them entirely?
Deciding whether stained glass repair for your Fort Collins or stained glass replacement is a better option truly depends on your situation. It’s important to take certain factors into consideration before you make a final decision about what to do. Once you’ve gained a better understanding of your options, you’ll be able to make the right choice about what steps to take next.
When stained glass windows start to lose their structural integrity, it’s important to have them professionally repaired and restored. But how are churches supposed to finance such an endeavor? Stained glass restoration in San Antonio is a labor intensive process, and one that can be performed by only a handful of companies, and therefore can become expensive.
But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways that you can obtain the necessary funds you need to restore the stained glass windows in your church. All it takes it a little bit of creativity and fundraising.
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There are a variety of conditions that can cause stained glass windows to suffer significant damage to the point where they need professional repair. Sometimes, stained glass windows are broken by a severe storm after coming into contact with hail or high speed winds. Other times, the stained glass windows begin to deteriorate naturally due to the passage of time or flaws in their construction. Regardless, when issues arise, many churches hire a professional to determine what actions need to be taken.
If you have church stained glass windows that need repair, you may be wondering if the expense is worth it. After all, stained glass restoration in Colorado Springs can get pricey and many churches do not have extra funds just laying around. But before you decide to replace your stained glass windows, there are some factors you may want to take into consideration. If your stained glass is worth it, you could always try to hold a fundraising event to raise money for the repairs.
Today, some of Austin’s historic churches are nearing an age where they are more than one hundred years old. In fact, one of Austin’s oldest churches, St. David’s Episcopal Church in downtown Austin, is over 150 years old. Many of these old religious buildings are very solid in structure, but they contain elements that need regular care, such as stained glass windows.
Stained glass, when it gets to a certain age, starts to lose its structural integrity from years of being exposed to the rain, heat, and climate conditions. Lead heats up, melts into a new shape, and then hardens once it cools down, becoming slowly distorted over time. This puts pressure on the glass pieces, often so much that they start to crack or fall out. By opting for stained glass repair, Austin churches can preserve their stained glass windows and keep their beautiful historic building fully intact so it can be enjoyed by future members of the congregation.
Utah’s beautiful capital of Salt Lake City is renowned as one of the most prestigious religious cities in the United States. Temple Square in Downtown Salt Lake City is home to the 19th-century Salt Lake Temple and the neo-Gothic Assembly Hall. It is a great responsibility to maintain and upkeep the majestic churches and temples that house such rich religious traditions.
One of the major elements of these historic temples is antique stained glass, which is now aging and deteriorating, unfortunately. Many of the church stained glass pieces were created 75 to 100 years ago and it is time to address repair issues with some of them.
There are several solutions to church stained glass repair. The first step is always a free initial consultation with church stained glass repair experts. They will speak with church leaders and assess what needs to be done. In some cases, small repairs can be made right on site. If not, a strategic plan will be developed to remove the glass that needs reconstruction and it will be transported carefully to our studio where master craftsmen take over.
Once in our studio, your beloved stained glass is handled with the utmost care and concern. We order custom glass to perfectly match the existing glass in color, texture, and finish. We clean it with a specially made cleaning solution that restores the glass to its original beauty and shine. Then we reassemble the pieces with new lead caming that has the look of antique lead but is reinforced with modern technology to add greater strength and durability going forward. And last but not least, we install all our stained glass inside a clear pane of glass, to keep it protected from the elements for years to come.
Repairing the beautiful and delicate stained glass in your Salt Lake City church may seem like a daunting task, but at Scottish Stained Glass we have been repairing stained glass for decades and have a special relationship with our craft. You can trust the church stained glass repair experts at Scottish Stained Glass for all your church stained glass repair solutions. Contact us today for a stained glass assessment!
Probably the biggest hesitation to getting stained glass restored here in Colorado Springs is the financial part. Most churches don’t have thousands of dollars set aside for such repairs and, understandably, have no idea where to get such vast sums of money. This is one of the reasons, we at Scottish Stained Glass are here to help. We have done a fair amount of church stained glass restorations across the country and have seen many churches successfully navigate the stained glass restoration fundraising process to bring their cherished windows back to life. Below we have listed a few tips on how to get started and, of course, we are happy to brainstorm with your Colorado Springs church individually to help you tap into local resources not outlined here as well.
The first step in stained glass fundraising is mobilizing your church and working with those that are most supportive and enthusiastic about the process. This will help you throughout the process not just in the raising of the funds.
This may seem self-evident but some church’s we have encountered only want to get stained glass restoration funds internally from the church, while others are willing to seek help outside of it. Should you decide to look outside your church, be aware there are grants available from historical societies and even local businesses help out sometimes–especially if they are hosting events or matching contributions, not just writing a check. It is good to get the community involved in church stained glass restorations as preserving these windows is an investment in the community as a whole.
Church stained glass is lovely and charming and as such can inspire great creativity and envoke participation across a number of channels. Of course, traditional fund drives like car washes, selling candy are great but something like a silent auction, involving local businesses or an ice cream social may stand out and garner more donations!
These are, of course, just a few ideas that we have seen churches across the county succeed in. There are so many things churches can do to get the money they need, including grant money. We advise you to call us for an initial assessment on your Colorado Springs church stained glass so you have a solid number to work for. Reach out to us today to schedule a visit and to take that first step toward preserving your church’s lovely stained glass.
If you have stained glass in your Denver Church and it is over 80 years old–it is probably time to have it inspected by a stained glass restoration specialist, like Scottish Stained Glass, to see if it is ready for restoration. The odds are it is. The reason we say that is–church and chapel stained glass created in the early part of the 20th century has a life of about 80-100 years. Knowing this, if you have church stained glass about this age, you probably need to have a conversation as a church body about whether or not stained glass restoration is something you may want to pursue. As such, we have listed 3 reasons why stained glass restoration churches, in general, is a good idea and well worth the effort.
Stained glass in churches that is close to or over 100 years old was created in a magnificent time in Denver’s history. This was a time here in Colorado and across the US that saw many historically significant events and changes. As such, glass created in this era has deep historical significance and by allowing the glass to fall into disrepair or be removed all together robs not just your church but, Denver as a whole, historically significant artifacts.
This is one of the biggest reasons churches turn to Scottish Stained Glass to restore aging stained glass windows–they are loved by the congregation. There is no doubt in our minds that when these lovely relics of the past were installed, the former members of your church, many gone themselves by now, worked hard to raise the funds to have them installed. This often translates into adoration and sentimental value in your church body to this day. In which case, it is well worth the time and expense of having your Denver church’s stained glass windows restored today.
Not all antique stained glass windows are worth a significant amount of money in this day and age. However, depending on who made or which studio made them, they may well have a fair amount of value. There are many other factors such as the condition of the stained glass, the authenticity of former repairs and materials used in creating the windows that influence the current value. However, getting an assessment will bring some of these factors to life and help you decide it actual monetary value could be a driving force in having your Denver church’s stained glass restored.
For more information and to take the first steps of getting your Denver church’s stained glass restored, contact us at Scottish Stained Glass today!
Thinking about getting your church stained glass restored and curious about how the process will work? First of all, you are not alone and second, this is a great place to start. Because at Scottish Stained Glass we are arguably the country’s most prolific stained glass restoration company and more to the point–we love what we do. Below is a quick guide on the next couple of steps and what we can help you achieve with your church stained glass windows.
The first thing we do is consult with you by viewing your church’s stained glass and making an assessment.
This includes:
Once we begin the job we will, in many cases, remove your church’s stained glass window(s) from its frame. Then, carefully wrapped, we take the stained glass and its corresponding structural parts to our studio. Here we do our restoration craftwork, including:
We finally bring your lovely, new/restored church stained glass windows back to your site and put them back where they have graced the walls of your chapel for decades. This is our favorite part, since, we get to see these wonderful works of religious iconography back where they belong, looking more lovely, in many cases, than the day they were installed!
Stained glass is more than just our job here at Scottish, it is our passion too! We just love bringing back these gorgeous works of art and preserving them for the next generation. Contact us today on your Fort Collins church restoration and see our passion in action.
Much of the stained glass across the country is turning 100 years old about now. Meaning it is time for restoration and or thorough repair. Around a century is about when vintage stained glass on homes and churches begin to need repairs, due to the way it was built around the turn of the century. Now, if you think the stained glass on your KC church is beyond repair because of the way it looks, perhaps it is dingy, chipped and old, you will be pleasantly surprised when we say–it is probably not. Read on to find out why.
Church stained glass and the surrounding lead are actually very easily brought back to their former life and luster with a thorough cleaning. While the lead may look ugly and even when the glass has virtually no shine at all, our deep cleaning methods will amaze you. , We do cleanings both on and off your Kansas City chapel’s premises depending on what other repairs we need to do but one thing is for sure– the brightness of the glass will blow you away, once our technicians are through.
Many people see bowing wooden or steel frames on church stained glass windows and immediately think–all is lost. We understand that when the support structure of religious stained glass windows start to bend, sag and bow, the stained glass can look pretty bad. However, this is a challenge we deal with regularly. Not only do we rebuild the frame and structure of your church’s stained glass windows in our studio, but we also use modern lead additives to strengthen the stained glass–so it will last well over another 100 years and look great too.
Church stained glass that is chipped, cracked or missing can be a sad sight. It may seem like the window is done for once a glass panel or many fall out. However, this is not a problem for our stained glass experts. Some chips and cracks can be fixed right in the window. Other more seriously damaged windows will be taken to our studio and even the most obscure colored or textured glass pieces can be perfectly matched and re-installed into the window when we reassemble it.
If you love your Kansas City church’s stained glass but fear its time has come, make sure to contact us before having it removed. There is often new life in that glass and experts, like us at Scottish Stained Glass are happy to consult with you on how to bring it out! Contact us today for more info!
Church stained glass restoration is an art form in itself, which is appropriate considering that stained glass is one of the oldest and most beautiful art forms in the world. Stained glass windows grace both private and public buildings in many different countries, most often in churches. We even have some here in Austin, TX. Austin churches with vintage stained glass may be looking for restoration advice on how to restore and maintain the glory of their stained glass windows.
Stained glass in church windows is a long-standing tradition of elevating the mundane – windows – into something glorious, telling a story, depicting important moments in the religion of the parishioners. Therefore, it is important to restore these church stained glass windows when necessary. Here are some key tips to remember when it comes to Austin church stained glass restoration:
Think of Stained Glass as an Original Work of Art
A stained-glass window should be considered as fragile and untouchable as an oil painting. Instead of a canvas, some of the world’s most-renowned artists used glass to create masterpieces. Don’t make the mistake of thinking of it as “just glass.” Respect must be paid.
Leave Well Enough Alone
Like any piece of expensive art, it’s best to leave it alone. Stained glass is built to withstand the passage of time and is part of the structure of the building in which it sits. Church stained glass restoration can be necessary, but not for simple cracks or fading, or even buckling. Make sure you check with an Austin church stained glass restoration specialist before touching anything.
Take Photos
A good first step in the restoration process is to take photos. Take a lot of pictures of your church stained glass from many different angles and at different times of the day. Many insurance policies now require this step, and these photos may come in handy during the restoration process.
Call a Stained Glass Restoration Professional
With such a significant piece of historical artwork on the line, it is vital that you consult a church stained glass restoration specialist in your area. Scottish Stained Glass in Austin is an expert at vintage stained glass restoration. We are trained specialists for all things stained glass and would be happy to help you with the delicate process of restoring your church stained glass to its former glory–so contact us today!
As stained glass restorers here in Texas, our goal is always to get a beautiful stained glass, rich with history returned to its former glory within the church itself. As it turns out, sometimes church stained glass is not able to be restored in the church itself–in cases where the church is being torn down. A good example of this is the stained glass that once adorned the Trinity Lutheran in Old East Dallas. To the people in the Dallas community, the glass, although old and tarnished, held a deep spot in their hearts and we could not be happier what the city of Dallas City cultural officials chose to do with it.
In 2013 when the Trinity Lutheran Church in Old East Dallas was being demolished, city officials announced a surprising plan–to repurpose and restore the glass. The magnificent blue and turquoise panels, created by DALLAS ARTIST OCTAVIO MEDELLIN were removed from the church and restored by Michael Van Enter to their former luster but, since the church was no longer standing, the glass instead was suspended in four sections in front of ticketing hall windows ticketing at Dallas Love Field airport. Now, this lovely church glass has a whole new lease on life and one the entire community can enjoy.
Due to the forethought of some civic-minded people in Dallas, St Lutheran’s church stained glass has a whole new lease on life and one the entire community can enjoy. While the glass is not exactly the same and perhaps lost some of its ethereal qualities, it still brings beauty and joy to the world, while in its own way preserving history.
Each day here at Scottish Stained Glass, we feel amazed that our job is to do similar work keeping stained glass artwork alive for the next generation. As we restore church windows and create new ones, it is also our hope, that one day our creations will get the same preservation for decades to come. For more information on church stained glass restoration here in Fort Worth, around the state of Texas or across the US, contact Scottish Stained Glass today!
Many of the churches and especially church stained glass restorations we have profiled here are on large looming windows in spectacularly adorned churches. But stained glass windows can be worth restoring in chapels even if they are small and seem insignificant. A church that reminds us that what you see is not what always what lies beneath years of dirt and grim on vintage church stained glass is the lovely but simple restoration of Prince of Peace Episcopal church near Fort Collins, Colorado in a little place called Sterling. A shining example of a community coming together to restore a church that means something to them. The results of this church stained glass restoration are amazing and you truly wouldn’t know the stained glass they ended up with was ever so bold and brilliant–but truly it was a tiny masterpiece.
It took over three years to restore the historic stained glass window in Sterling’s Prince of Peace Episcopal Church really got underway. There was a fair amount of bowing and crumbling wooden tracery that held the stained glass pieces in place. But, after a grant Colorado State Historical Fund in 2013 and then another one in 2015, and then a final grant a bit later, the 100-year-old window created by renowned regional artisan Carl Reichhardt of Greeley, came back to life and was once even featured on “Craftsman’s Legacy — The Stained Glassmakers”, a PBS TV series.
While it may have taken years to get the stained glass windows on this church where they needed to be and in a condition to last another 100 years, it was well worth the effort. This restoration was in large part possible due to historical grants and people, who like us at Scottish Stained Glass in Fort Collins, believe religious stained glass is worth preserving. Each day here at Scottish Stained Glass In, we feel lucky that we get to do amazing work to keep stained glass artwork alive for the next generation. As we restore church windows and create new ones, it is also our hope, that one day our works of art will be kept up and restored too! For more information on church stained glass restoration here in Fort Collins, around the state of Colorado or across the US, contact Scottish Stained Glass today!
Some church stained glass has religious significance, some historical value, some artistic splendor–many all three. But as we profile churches across the country, one chapel that stands out for its deep historical roots in Kansas and commitment to keeping that history alive is the St. Fidelis Catholic Church In Victoria. Since we restore stained glass ourselves, we have a deep appreciation and respect for just how hard this church worked to keep its windows intact and looking breathtaking. A perfect example of a major church stained glass restoration that was perfectly executed, this church is truly something to behold!
An old, historic and awe-inspiring church lies just west of the Mississippi River on the Kansas side called St. Fidelis Catholic Church but is referred to by locals as the Cathedral of the Plains. But this church certainly doesn’t look vintage because the restoration work it has endured. A wonderful church with rich stained glass history, this church stained glass restoration is simply amazing. In 2013, a little over 100 years after the church was first dedicated in 1911, a major restoration took place. The hallmark windows, two twin 140 twin towers of stained glass and other windows. The restoration was funded by church members and locals wanting to preserve this invaluable piece of Kansas history. The stained glass repair cost about $150,000 but today, the windows are valued at over $1 million and frankly, they look the part.
Of course, to the members and the community, the restoration was never about the money, but rather, keeping these windows, invaluable to Kansas history and culture intact for the next generation. This is the same reason we love stained glass restoration. In fact, each day here at Scottish Stained Glass In Dallas we get to do amazing work to keep stained glass artwork alive for the next generation. As we restore church windows and create new ones, we also hope that one day our labors of love with also be kept up and restored for hundreds of year to come. For more information on church stained glass restoration here in Kansas City, around the states of Kansas and Missouri or across the country, contact Scottish Stained Glass today!
One thing that has always intrigued us here at Scottish Stained Glass In Dallas is the symbolism of stained glass and how it can be used to enlighten the world. While it is true that stained glass in churches is very much an art form, it is also very functional–especially in light of its symbolism. A church here in Dallas, that exemplifies these artistic and instructive elements of church stained glass is Grace United Methodist. This welcoming body and their church stained glass are our inspiration for this stained glass church profile.
The absolutely stunning Grace United Methodist Church in Dallas, Tx was built in 1903 and is a registered Dallas Landmark for good reason–it is a pillar of the community historically, religiously and artistically. In regards to their awe-inspiring stained glass windows, Grace United Methodist Church’s window style matches their philosophy–”a story of faith–one piece at a time.” This church has been through many changes throughout the years but through it all the congregation has maintained their Christian philosophy of inclusion–a sentiment which is reflected on their stained glass windows. Windows whose bright hues and ornate glasswork beautifully tells a loving story Christ and his teachings. The mix of colors and characters on the windows, while aesthetically astounding, are symbolic of diversity and acceptance and something truly outstanding to behold.
For over 100 years, Grace United Methodist Church has been showing, through its actions and stained glass, how important inclusion is. This is another reason why we love stained glass– its ability to be magnificent for the eyes and the soul. At Scottish Stained Glass In Dallas, each day of work brings us more joy. Because we know we are doing our part to keep truly amazing stained glass artwork alive for the next generation. As we restore church windows and create new ones, it is our hope, one day, others will work to preserve our passionately created church stained glass too, For more information on church stained glass restoration here in Dallas or around the country, contact Scottish Stained Glass today!
As mentioned in this series, church stained glass is something very integral to the United States. While it is a worldwide artform, that which was created here in the infancy of this country is unique in its own right. Since we restore stained glass ourselves, we have a deep appreciation and respect for the church stained glass artists, the churches and the congregations that have had these windows restored and preserved. A great example of rustic American stained glass in a church is the old and simple but nonetheless dazzle stained glass in The Little Church of La Villita In San Antonio.
Located in the La Villita historic section of San Antonio, the cornerstone for The Little Church of La Villita was first laid on March 2, 1879. It was built by German Methodists, in the Gothic Revival style that is so very common in Texas. Although the church is now over 100 years old, it is probably more lovely today than it ever has been due to a restoration of the stained glass and the property, in general, to use as an event center.
As you can see below, this church is quaint but the stained glass is truly a sight to behold! The centerpiece of the entire chapel, a brilliantly colored symbolic cross seems to radiate light from the wall, lighting up the church and instilling joy in the viewer.
The surrounding chapel is lovely and not over-adorned and a few smaller stained glass windows grace the doors but this chapel, in its minimalism is the perfect example of how breathtaking stained glass comes in all sizes, shapes, and denomination.
Today the church is used by locals for small, intimate weddings and we believe there truly could not be a better way to celebrate love, than beneath a work of stained glass art that was truly a labor of love itself! At Scottish Stained Glass In San Antonio, each day is truly a joy knowing we are doing our part to keep this country’s historic stained glass windows, like these and others, intact for future viewers. As we restore and create new windows, our hope is one day, others will work to preserve our labors of love too! For more information on church stained glass restoration here in San Antonio or around the country, contact Scottish Stained Glass today!
Church stained glass is something ubiquitous to churches and American Churches are no different. This country has some of the most beautiful stained glass chapels, churches, mosques, and synagogue in the world. As church stained glass restoration experts, we have a deep appreciation for these churches and the breathtaking artform their windows embody. As such, we are profiling some of the most amazing pieces of religious stained glass across this great country, in hopes of showing just how rich, diverse and valuable to this nation’s religious and art history church stained glass windows are.
Easily the most striking building in the entire campus and arguably all of Colorado, The Cadet Chapel at The Airforce Academy in Colorado Springs, is a wonder to behold. A masterpiece of church stained glass it has an incredible succession of 17 glass and aluminum spires — each composed of 100 tetrahedrons, which make up the entire enclosure of the entire ceiling. Each of these spire as it were, is adorned with panels of incredibly bold and glowing stained glass–giving way to a rainbow of ethereal light. enabling diffused light to enter the building. Although most known for the stained glass in it’s Protestant chapel, the Air Force Academy actually houses three chapels: Protestant, Jewish, and Catholic– each with unique and amazing stained glass in their respective chapels.
The fact that the Air Force Academy has a diversity of stained glass from different faiths just goes to reinforce just how intertwined stained glass is to religious culture. Just another reason why we love stained glass as an art form. At Scottish Stained Glass In Colorado Springs, we are truly pleased that each day, we are doing our part to keep lovely stained glass windows, like these and others, intact for the next generation. As we restore and create new windows, we can only hope that one day, others will work to preserve our work too! For more information on church stained glass restoration here in Colorado Springs or around the country, contact Scottish Stained Glass today!
Today, churches often don’t know who to turn to when they need stained glass work. Many stained glass studios today don’t have experience working with antique stained glass and therefore aren’t able to perform the repairs required for a full restoration. Even churches who are looking for new stained glass windows may have a difficult time find a studio. Most of the stained glass produced today is mass-generated in factories. Very few studios actually create custom stained glass in Fort Worth.
At one point in time, stained glass windows were used in churches as a way to share the messages in scripture with people who did not know how to read. At this point in time, a great deal of the world’s population was still illiterate so churches had to figure out a different way of sharing the stories and messages in religious texts. By painting scenes on stained glass windows, they were able to illuminate details that were expressed in text.
While this need no longer exists today, many modern churches in Fort Collins still choose to include stained glass in the architectural design of their building. By doing this, churches are continuing and honoring an age old tradition as well as creating privacy for their members. Stained glass windows make it difficult to see into a church from the outside. Yet unlike curtains and drapes, they provide this privacy without blocking out the sun. So stained glass windows today serve both an aesthetic and practical purpose in Fort Collins churches.
While stained glass windows may appear to look fragile, they’re actually quite durable. Years of practice and advances in engineering, technology, and science have provided modern stained glass artists today with a wealth of knowledge for creating windows that are stronger and more durable than they ever have been in the past.
Yet, there are unfortunate situations that can cause damage to stained glass or initiate the process of deterioration. In these cases, stained glass repair in Colorado Springs may be necessary both for safety reasons as well as to prevent the window from degrading further.
Stained glass repair is an intensive process, but is also an investment well worth it. If a full restoration is conducted, the lifetime of the stained glass could be extended tremendously, allowing it to last decades longer than it otherwise would have. For this reason, many churches in Colorado Springs opt for stained glass repair, especially if the glass is historic or valuable to the church.
Do you belong to a church that’s in the middle of remodeling or undergoing renovations? One change you should consider making is adding stained glass windows to your Kansas City church.
Stained glass windows are not only a traditional part of church design, but they also serve a practical purposes as well. Color and texture add visual interest to church interiors while also creating privacy without blocking light. By adding stained glass windows to your church, you can brighten up the interior and create an inviting, welcoming space.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
If you have stained glass windows in your San Antonio church, you may have some questions or concerns about their preservation. Often, stained glass windows in historic churches have been there for quite some time, and therefore current members of the church board and congregation are unfamiliar with how to maintain them for optimal condition. To shed some light on these matters, we’ve provided some guidance on best practices for stained glass preservation for San Antonio churches, temples, and cathedrals.
The city of Austin is known for its vibrant music and entertainment scene. But did you know that it’s also home to some of the most beautiful church stained glass windows? It’s true! People from all over the country visit these stunning churches just for the opportunity to gaze at the incredible detail and evidence of fine craftsmanship shown in the stained glass. For this reason, these churches have become a popular destination for weddings, cultural tours, baptisms, and celebrations.
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