Creating Stained Glass for the Battle Creek Tabernacle

We are excited to share the story of our latest project – crafting a remarkable stained glass window for the Battle Creek Tabernacle. This endeavor was not just a creative journey; it was an exploration of history, a testament to the merging of art and tradition.

Preserving the Past, Building the Future

The Battle Creek Tabernacle stands as a beacon of history, with roots dating back to 1852. Its rich legacy is something we held in high regard as we embarked on this project. The church, nestled in Calhoun County, Michigan, has witnessed over a century and a half of growth, challenges, and spiritual enlightenment. Our mission was not only to create a stunning piece of stained glass art but to ensure that this new addition pays homage to the Tabernacle’s historic significance.

Balancing Artistry with Historic Preservation

The decision to enhance the Battle Creek Tabernacle with a large stained glass window was a pivotal one. We understood that the church’s age and historical importance necessitated a delicate approach. It was evident that cutting a new window would be inconceivable, potentially compromising the integrity of the church’s century-old structure. With a commitment to preserving the past, we set out to design a solution that would pay tribute to the church’s history.

Overcoming Structural Challenges

Crafting such a monumental stained glass window came with unique challenges. The sheer scale of the project was one aspect. The window had to span an impressive width and height, and this meant it would be substantial in size and weight. To manage this, we decided to divide the window into ten individually framed panels. This approach allowed us to handle the installation one step at a time, ensuring precision and safety.

The creation of a custom metal frame was essential to support the weight of the stained glass. We collaborated with experts to ensure that the frame not only provided structural integrity but also seamlessly blended with the existing stained glass windows, preserving the church’s aesthetic harmony. To ensure the stability of the stained glass window, we anchored it securely to the wall using steel plates, providing both support and peace of mind.

The Artistry Behind the Glass

The heart of the project lay in the design and artwork of the stained glass. The church selected a captivating composition titled “The Rescue” by renowned artist Nathan Greene. With the artist’s blessings, our artisans embarked on the meticulous task of translating this masterpiece into stained glass. Every color and detail were carefully considered, given the transformative effect of light passing through the glass. The hues were recalibrated to enhance the vibrancy and depth of the design.

Illuminating the Vision

Before the stained glass could adorn the Tabernacle’s interior, we needed to integrate a backlit lighting system. The objective was to create an awe-inspiring effect where light would filter through the glass, illuminating the artwork without creating overpowering hotspots. We engineered a sophisticated solution – a network of ten low-voltage LED panels meticulously wired together. This not only ensured a stunning visual impact but also a practical approach for future maintenance.

Crucially, we faced the challenge of concealing the wiring. Thanks to the expertise of the onsite electrician, we achieved a seamless finish. A discreet conduit ran around the exterior of the building, elegantly transporting the wires from the wall to the control room. This attention to detail maintained the interior’s pristine appearance.

A Legacy in Stained Glass

In the end, our collaboration with the Battle Creek Tabernacle led to the creation of a radiant masterpiece that pays homage to the church’s history, artistry, and faith. This remarkable stained glass window now graces the church’s interior, bathing it in a gentle, soul-stirring light. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Tabernacle and the power of collaboration, where artistry and tradition converge in perfect harmony. We are immensely grateful to the Battle Creek Tabernacle for entrusting us with this project, and we look forward to its lasting impact for generations to come.

Martin Faith

Martin Faith is a highly skilled stained glass artisan from Glasgow, Scotland. He has been studying the history, evolution, and techniques behind stained glass creation for over 35 years. Since 1991, he has been running his own stained glass studio based out of Colorado. Martin feels a personal connection to stained glass because of his Scottish heritage and has dedicated his life's work to its preservation and continuity. Using the same techniques which have been passed down for generations, Martin uses his expertise to create custom stained glass windows for Colorado Springs homes, businesses, and churches. He and his team have performed countless restorations for aging and antique stained glass and have produced over 50,000 original works to date.