Construction News

Report on Stained Glass Windows

January 30, 2007

(Posted March 26, 2007)

In October 2006, I contacted Hoyt Institute of New Castle as a starting place for information on people who work in stain glass. I spoke with Mr. Don Gold and he suggested to contact the Methodist Church on Decker Drive, New Castle and also the Diocese of Pittsburgh because of their restoration of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

In October 2006, I contacted by Email Rev. Ron Lengwin Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese. They had just done extensive restoration on the windows in the Cathedral in downtown Pittsburgh. He put me in touch with Rev. Jim Zielinski, Director of Property & Development for the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Rev. Zielinski gave me four companies who work in restoration. Three are local to Pittsburgh and one had moved to Iowa. In the four listed was also Hunt Stain Glass of Pittsburgh. He stated all were excellent at their restoration, but I chose to contact Hunt Studio.

In December 2006 I Contacted Methodist Church on Decker Drive, New Castle and spoke with Linda Cunningham who was Chairperson for the stain glass windows of the church. Her committee had visited several studios in Pittsburgh and choose Hunt Studio. She recommended very highly to contact Hunt Stain Glass Studio of Pittsburgh, Pa. Linda and her committee visited the studio before choosing Hunt. They then made numerous trips to the studio to see progress on their windows.

Hunt Stain Glass Studios

Pittsburgh, PA

www.huntstainedglasss.com

Hunt Stain Glass Studio originated with Henry Hunt, who worked with is father in London, England. The studio opened in 1906. In 1943 it then became the responsibility of his sons, George (President) and James. From 1966 until 1987 it was owned by J.R. Lally. Nicholas Parrendro became owner 1987 and still owns studio. Nicholas hired by George Hunt in 1950. The company has clients who use their expertise from many foreign countries.

In the first part of December, Tom Lennox of Hunt Stained Glass Studios of Pittsburgh came to the church to inspect the windows at no cost to the church. His observations were:

The windows are dated to 1870’s [earlier than we initially thought]. There are round bar supports, which were used at that period of time.

The window with Bethel is very unusual and would have been very expensive for 1870’s. Mr. Lennox could not offer a cost estimate because it was so unusual.

Repair bars are flat and not used until the 1900’s

The windows would have cost approximately $1,000.00 when new. Now they would be ten times that amount.

The leading is deteriorating and needs attention.

It takes one hour to remove 10 pieces of glass. Each step in restoring/repairing just 10 pieces glass to efficient, weatherproof, excellent condition could take 25-30 hours. The larger stained glass windows have more than 600 pieces.

We have two windows in storage that have the original bars dating them to 1870‘s. They have no flat repair bars. These were removed when the sanctuary was enlarged in the1950’s. Some of our windows are in better condition than others, but all are worth repairing . There is no window that cannot be fixed.

Their process is to take the window completely apart, clean, repair, and reassemble with all new lead. Total restoration could be approximately $18,000.00 per window including the weatherized protection. All our windows would probably take approximately 6 months to 1 year to finish.

If we choose not to use the windows at the time of rebuilding, the company can frame them in to make them safe for storage. The company can store them for us, but at a cost.

There are many ways to use the windows: as dividers in unique places, along stairwells, in doors, and of course as windows. These ideas would have to be considered in the beginning plans of a new facility.

Mr. Lennox took measurements of all windows and will submit a proposal. He stated all their work is done such as ours, down the road. The cost will reflect today’s prices. Each year we would add the cost of living rise to the price quoted.

Three of us met with Mr. Lennox. We feel this is a knowledgeable company with integrity and proficiency.

Other stain glass companies:

Mr. Kirk Weaver - Stain Glass Resources, Inc.

Mr. H. B. Mertz - Renaissance Glassworks

Mr. Ron Board - Bovard Studio, Inc.

Submitted by: Nancy Gibson

(Also present at the meeting with Mr. Lennox: Alice Young, and Lloyd Raney)