I am pleased to share this morning that the first phase of repairs to our historic stained glass windows was completed this past week. All Glory to God! As you may recall, this rock came through the west window near Jesus’s face on the night of Ash Wednesday on February 14. This event initiated an examination of our Sanctuary windows at that time, revealing 12 broken pieces and cracks that had not been repaired from damage sustained over the years. We also found 2 areas of bulging in large sections of the windows demonstrating that the lead is failing and it will just be a short matter of time before those windows will collapse. Western Art Glass was contracted to repair the broken pieces and we are most pleased with their finished work.
This week, with approval of the Trustees and the Governing Board, I signed a contract with Willet Hauser to initiate the second phase of repairs – recementing the outside of the stained glass windows, fixing the millwork and adding a ¼” acrylic protective glass to protect our windows from further damage, including heat resistance. We will announce when we have been placed on their schedule which may be anywhere from 3 to 6 months away. The third phase will be to repair the non-stained glass windows on the south part of our building at a later date.
In the hallway, I have placed a poster with more details about this project. Also, there is a QR code that will take you to our Giving page that if you are able to share your gifts of money above your tithing pledge, that you can help to support this important project.
I know that some may feel that there are other projects that need our attention and money. We are actively engaged in obtaining bids for the boiler so that we have heat in the building this winter. We have our three bids for the elevator and will soon make a decision to get that work started. For me, I am most grateful for your love and support in trusting the efforts that we make as the Trustees of this sacred building. Please know that we are putting our best foot forward as we are led to preserve this house for God’s glorious work.”
The stained glass windows in our Sanctuary are original to the building from 1906. They are in need of desperate repairs. The lead is oxidizing, the millwork is in disrepair and the windows have been subject to breaks and cracks due to lack of protection. This project carefully restores each of these issues. Please join us to preserve these important pieces of our history. All Glory to God!
Phase 1) Broken and cracked pieces repaired and cleaned inside of Sanctuary. Job Completed 8/19/24
Phase 2) Outside windows recemented and protected. Schematic of scheduled stained glass window work: 31 total windows, Upper tower and interior dome – no work specified. Total Cost - $118,519.00
Phase 3) Standard glass windows and frames on south side repaired. Work planned to start in 2025-2026.
History – What is now known as Associated Crafts® & Willet Hauser goes back to its roots in 1898 when William Willet and his wife Anne Lee founded The Willet Stained Glass and Decorating Co. in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Shortly thereafter, the studio was relocated to Philadelphia. In 1919, William and Anne Lee Willet made their mark on the American stained glass stage when they won the International Competition for the Great Sanctuary window in the Cadet Chapel at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York; it was the first of nearly two hundred windows the studio would create for the Academy over a sixty-five year period. In 1946, The Hauser Art Glass Company is formed in Winona, Minnesota by James E. Hauser. In the fall of 2014, the Hauser’s decided to retire. Associated Crafts® then acquired Willet-Hauser Architectural Glass, bringing together two talented teams under one roof with renewed energy. This special union attracted even more talent from the industry. By 2018, Associated Crafts® & Willet Hauser had become one of America’s fastest growing companies. Our windows today can be found in churches and historic buildings in all 50 states and 14 foreign countries. Among the thousands of Willet Hauser creations are windows in the National Cathedral and the National Presbyterian Church in Washington DC; St. John the Divine Cathedral and the chapel at the United Nations in New York; and Grace and St. Mary’s Cathedrals in San Francisco, CA.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has commissioned Associated Crafts® & Willet Hauser to create nine 20’ stained glass windows for the renovated Salt Lake Temple.
Contracted work to be performed –
1) Recementing – In recementing our craftsmen carefully brush a special cement between the pieces of glass and beneath the flange of the lead came. When this cement stiffens, it securely seats the individual glasses in the cames and together with the glass, the lead and the bracing, becomes an important structural par of the window. As a by-product of recementing, the brushing action removes much accumulated outside grime and the interior brilliance of the window is increased.
2) Painting of millwork – Scrape loose paint, putty where necessary and apply Sherwin Willilams Duration paint. Sealing of minor wood cracks and basic wood infill are included in the painting process.
3) Klear Flo frame and protective covering system – Our exclusive Klear Flo protective glazing system provides for supporting the individual sections with heavy duty colored aluminum divider bars installed with non-corrosive anchors. A high quality sealant guarantees a durable weatherproof installation. The ¼” acrylic is 30 times more break resistant than glass.
4) Seal Ventilator – The venting system has 3/8” breather tubes in the frame to abate heat buildup, decrease the potential for condensation (not eliminate) and allow air circulation to help preserve the stained glass windows heritage. Double hung windows will be screwed shut in order to prevent operation. The old plastic coverings on the East stained glass windows will be removed by Willet Hauser.
5) Stabilization – Willet Hauser will epoxy any minor cracks using an edge gluing technique.
6) Bulged sections – There are at least 2 sections of windows that have become so weak that the lead and the glass deflect in and out. Straightening the bulge will be achieved by manipulation or removing the panel for straightening while adding a new steel brace to preserve the structural integrity of the stained glass. This may include installing new steel support braces.
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