Things to Consider Before Restoring Church Stained Glass

Things to Consider Before Restoring Church Stained Glass

Stained glass windows in old churches here in Fort Worth are likely antiques–especially in churches.  This also means they could need repairs or even full restoration.   In order to make an informed decision, it is important for the church leaders and congregation members to weigh the pros and cons of repairing stained glass windows.  Read on to learn more.

 Pros and Cons of Restoring Church Stained Glass

Pro: Antique Church Stained Glass Has Monetary Value

 When you consider the historic stained glass in your Fort Worth church, it may not seem like much. But depending on who made them and what materials they’re composed of, their worth could be quite high! Restoring these pieces would help to improve their value.  This is why in most cases we recommend restoring the windows before they are unsalvageable.

Pro: Antique Church Stained Glass Has Historical Value

Church stained glass windows from the early days of this city hold important historical value. Some are more historically valuable than others, but they all contribute to a greater story that is still being told today. Fort Worth Churches can preserve their history through preserving these pieces of beautiful art and by doing so will also be holding on to both local and church history for future generations. 

Pro: Antique Stained Glass Has Sentimental Value

Stained glass windows have been a fixture in many churches for decades. For members of the congregation, they can represent memories and stories about their church that simply cannot be replaced.  By preserving these stained glass pieces through restoration, it ensures that new generations here in Fort Worth will be able to create new memories and the old memories will stay intact too.

 Con: Church Stained Glass Restoration is Expensive

Stained glass restoration can become expensive. Large antique stained-glass windows may require the entire frame to be taken down and reconstructed, which is a costly process that many churches cannot afford. But there are ways for communities to raise funds through grants or other means including historical ones in order to help restore these precious relics. 

Con: Church Stained Glass Restoration can be Time-consuming

The amount of time a church restoration takes varies but if there are numerous windows and square feet of repairs it could be lengthy.  It often takes time at our studio to match colors or techniques from over 100 years ago. Be sure your congregation has this window repair project planned well ahead because once they’re removed for work, they might not be replaced for up to a year.

For more information on stained glass restoration for your Fort Worth church’s stained glass windows, contact us today for a free, onsite consultation.

Martin Faith has dedicated his life's career to the study, preservation, and exploration of one of the world's most beautiful and rare forms of art. For the past 30 years, he has been running his stained glass studio based out of Fort Worth, Texas. Martin's company specializes in an array of stained glass styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary, including Mackintosh, Greene & Greene, art nouveau, art deco, prairie, beveled glass, and religious. He has personally overseen numerous restorations for churches during which rare and valuable glass was saved from extinction. Over the years, he and his team have produced over 50,000 stained and leaded glass windows for homes, churches, and buildings in Fort Worth and throughout the continental U.S.

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