July 2010 — Worth the effort: The new painted pieces and clean glass really bring out the original vibrant colors.
Stained-glass window must be restored in Valley Church
By Erin Thompson
February 28, 2010
Reprinted With Permission
LAURELTON-A Valley church is trying to raise about $15,000 to restore a 12-foot by 7-foot stained-glass window that is about 120 years old.
“The lead and the original stenciling on the window is starting to fade,” said the Rev. Mark Messner, pastor of Lincoln Chapel United Methodist Church in Laurelton.
The glass’s protective coating on the exterior of the building is breaking away, leaving about 50 percent of the window that needs to be replaced.
In the mid- to late 1800s, it was expected that churches being built install stained-glass windows. Time has taken its toll on the window’s 50 hand-painted panels and it’s expected to take about three months and cost about $100 per panel to restore the glass to its original appearance.
The church has been holding sandwich sales to help raise money for the restoration. About $4,000 has been raised so far.
“Its a blessing to be able to restore art,” said Messner, whose congregation numbers 74 and attends services at 10:154 a.m. on Sundays.
Master craftsperson Rick Wolfe at Watsontown Glass Co., where the restoration will occur, has worked with the Lincoln Chapel in the past.
“I think this church has always been very diligent about staying in first-rate condition,” Wolfe said. “They have taken on many similar projects and when they do it, they do it right.”
E-mail comments to ethompson@dailyitem.com
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