Eternal Elegance: Stained Glass Austin’s Masterpiece for Battle Creek Tabernacle

The Battle Creek Tabernacle stands as a living testament to the enduring power of faith and history. Over the years, the church has evolved from humble wooden structures to its present, more modern building. In 2023, the congregation embarked on a transformative journey to celebrate its storied past while enhancing the interior aesthetics of the church. For this ambitious project, they chose to partner with Stained Glass Austin, a renowned name in the world of stained glass artistry.

Preserving the Past, Illuminating the Present

The mission of this project extended beyond the mere installation of a stained glass window; it aimed to uphold the church’s history while crafting an exquisite piece of art that would inspire generations to come. Several vital elements were integral to its success:

Design and Artistry

The church selected “The Rescue,” a captivating composition by the esteemed artist Nathan Greene, as the design for their stained glass masterpiece. Stained Glass Austin’s master artisans painstakingly transformed the delicate details and colors of the original painting into stained glass. Careful consideration was given to how the hues would interact with the sunlight, ensuring that the radiant colors came to life.

Custom Framing

The preservation of the church’s century-old structure was paramount. To provide structural support for the monumental stained glass window, a custom metal frame was meticulously created. The frame was expertly painted to match the existing stained glass windows in the church, blending seamlessly with the historic aesthetics.

Anchoring System with Steel Plates

Installing a stained glass window of this scale necessitated innovative solutions. The window was divided into ten individually framed panels, allowing for easier installation and proper weight distribution. Steel plates were strategically added to the exterior of the church, providing substantial support for the metal framing and stained glass. These plates were carefully painted to match the existing brick, preserving the church’s historical charm.

Backlit Lighting

One of the most intriguing aspects of this project was the choice to use a backlit installation instead of cutting out a new window. The church was nearly a century old, and altering the exterior structure was deemed unviable. It was important to the congregation to preserve the church’s original structure and materials.

Stained Glass Austin, recognizing the historical significance of the church and the congregation’s wish to maintain its integrity, devised an ingenious solution. Rather than creating a traditional stained glass window that would require structural alterations, the stained glass was mounted on the interior of the church. To achieve the effect of natural light streaming through the glass, a backlit lighting system was integrated.

Concealing Wires

The challenge then was to hide the necessary wiring for the backlit lighting system in a way that did not detract from the overall aesthetics of the church’s interior. Stained Glass Austin collaborated with an on-site electrician who played a crucial role in addressing this concern.

The electrician developed a clever solution to conceal the wiring effectively. He carefully drilled a discreet hole through the wall and connected the wires to the LED panels. To ensure that the wires remained hidden and did not disrupt the church’s ambiance, a conduit was run around the exterior of the building. The conduit discreetly led the wires into a control room, ensuring a seamless and immaculate aesthetic. This thoughtful approach kept the wiring out of sight, preserving the church’s historical charm while achieving the desired backlit effect.

A Revered Legacy and Vision for the Future

The outcome of this monumental project is nothing short of breathtaking. The once-plain wall of the Battle Creek Tabernacle has been transformed into a radiant work of art. The exquisite colors now beautifully illuminate intricate details while paying homage to the church’s storied history.

Stained Glass Austin, in partnership with the Battle Creek Tabernacle, has left an indelible mark on this cherished place of worship. The stained glass window serves as an enduring symbol of faith, history, and artistic excellence, destined to inspire future generations. It stands as a testament to the timeless power of stained glass, where history and modern craftsmanship unite to inspire and uplift the spirit.

In the heart of Battle Creek, this stained glass masterpiece embodies the essence of the Battle Creek Tabernacle’s rich history and the enduring allure of artistic expression, ensuring that the church remains an eternal symbol of faith and elegance.