MINUTES OF THE STAINED GLASS COMMITTEE
In attendance were Bill Weinig, Chairman; Henry Kumm, Al & Frances Broadhurst, Al & Ada Ault, Terry & Irene Walker, John & Carol Sissala, and Dick and Peggy Conn.
Bill Weinig called the meeting to order and opened with a prayer.
The Inventory subcommittee report by John Sissala said that the inventory of the windows in storage at the church, as well as those stored at the home of Gordon Morison had been completed. There are 12 big windows (six double hung window sets) and two small ones (a double hung window set also) at the church and three big ones and one unusual small one at Gordon’s. The ones at Gordon’s were found in the parish hall before its demolition and are not in as good condition as those stored in the church furnace room. Four of the six large upper windows and the two small windows stored in the church are in good condition except for some minor cracks. The remaining two large upper windows and the six large lower ones have significant damage or buckling.
The Restoration and Display subcommittee report from Henry Kumm and Al Broadhurst indicated they had taken two of the windows to Mr. Owens, a restorer and repair person recommended by Al’s architect son, in order to obtain an idea of what needed to be done to them. A rough estimate of the restoration cost was given as $500 per large window (or if an upper and lower were to be done, $1000). All broken or missing glass could be replaced, but if glass is replaced, the windows would no longer be considered antique. It was noted that there is probably no interest in having all windows done since we probably don’t have suitable places to display them all. Henry said the wooden frame could be taken off and replaced with metal, but that this would require some kind of metal frame to maintain the integrity of the window.
John suggested we have two items to consider: (1) where we can hang them, and (2) the disposition of those we don’t display.
Bill Weinig suggested (1) that the Restoration and Display subcommittee compile a list of artisans to allow us to solicit bids on the restoration work, and (2) the Placement subcommittee develop a list of potential places to display the windows.
It was proposed a letter to prospective artisans be prepared with descriptions of the windows and stating what restoration we desire. A CD showing the windows might also be included. Once the Location committee has picked the number of potential placements, better cost estimates can be obtained.
Terry Walker suggested (1) that we pick out the best windows to preserve and display and find out if there are appropriate places for them, and (2) get estimates for those and don’t concern ourselves with the others.
Henry mentioned that two families have even older windows from the original chapel which they purchased at the time of its destruction. He will attempt to contact them to see if they would be willing to donate the windows to the church.
Miscellaneous Comments:
There appears to be no time frame for completion of this effort.
Reserving the space to display the windows may be important.
If we should use only 4 of the 18 windows, would it make sense to sell the remaining windows?
The ones with memorials shouldn’t be sold.
It appears time for the project will be governed by the selected restoration artisan’s schedule.
Bill Doggett has floor plans of both buildings. These should assist in the selection of places to display the windows.
In one month we should be able to get into the new parish center. This will help us in visualizing where to place the windows.
Bill will secure cardboard of a size (4’ x 4’) to make models of the windows to use in checking site selections.
The next meeting of the committee will be Wednesday,
September 15, at