Shrine windows to be restored |
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Written by ANGELA KESSLER, Chronicle Editor
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Friday, 02 January 2009 01:00 |
CAREY—This spring those who visit the Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation may notice something is missing.
That’s because the stained glass windows are to be removed for restoration, which is expected to take about a year to complete.
A fundraising campaign is being kicked off in February to help pay for the windows, which have graced the church since being installed between 1928 and 1929. The project is expected to cost about $275,000, says Donna Johnson, the shrine’s administrative assistant.
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| The stained glass window in the west transept of the Basilica and
National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation depicts scenes from the life
of the Virgin Mary. This, and the other stained glass windows in the
church, which were installed between 1928 and 1929, are being removed
this spring for restoration. (Photo courtesy of Conventual Franciscan
Brother Bryan Hoban) |
The restoration project is being done by Conrad Schmitt Studios, a company specializing in restoration and decoration of churches, theaters and other landmark buildings. Workers from the company are to remove the windows this spring, she says, to work on them at the company’s Wisconsin headquarters.
In what Ms. Johnson describes as a "major overhaul," any missing or broken glass will be replaced, windows will be re-leaded and proper screen vents are to be installed.
The project is expected to take a year to complete, and existing storm glass is to remain in the window openings or they will be boarded, as necessary, she adds.
This is to be the first time the 80-year-old windows have had any work done on them, except for one that was repaired in the 1970s, says Conventual Franciscan Brother Jeffrey Hines, pilgrimage director at the shrine.
Patterned after the stained glass windows at the cathedral in Chartres, France, they were fired in Germany and assembled in St. Louis, Mo., by the Emil Frei Company. The total cost of the windows and installation in 1929 was $25,349.35, Br. Hines says.
The upper windows were incorporated to allow light into the basilica to naturally illuminate details, he says. In total, the windows offer a guide through the pages of the Old and New Testaments.
Measuring 27 feet high and 17 feet wide, the windows in the east and west transepts are among the largest such windows in America, he says, adding they are best viewed in the early morning and late afternoon.
The east transept window depicts scenes from the life of Jesus. Central roundels contain scenes depicting the sacrifice of the Mass, the sacrifice of Noah, the sacrifice of Melchizedek and Christ and the apostles.
The west transept window offers scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary. The central roundels depict the coronation of Mary in heaven, the crucifixion, the birth of Jesus and the assumption of Mary into heaven. Further scenes of the life of Mary are continued in the outer frame of the window.
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To donate to the restoration project, contact the Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation at 419-396-1523.
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 13:42 |
