New Building Update 9/21/20

A big step in the building process took place last week on a Tuesday afternoon. The Sunday morning crowd yesterday got to see it first hand, and we have some great pictures to share with you here. Our Stained glass has begun the move from the old location to the new one!

The image of Jesus on the south facing panel is one of the images we are taking with us. Each piece must be disassembled in the shop and then re-leaded for display in the new building.
Here is the center panel of the East facing window being removed. These panes of glass were quite fragile (only 1/8 of an inch thick in places!), and our Trustees engaged a very professional crew from Window Creations to remove them and prepare them for the new location.

Watching the removal of the stained glass was bittersweet. As the Pastor I can surely say that this location on 102 S Seminary has been used well for ministry, and the beloved windows and artwork have been a focal point for our worship here.

It is exciting to know that we are taking some of the best of the 1909 Sanctuary with us, to display in the new location. In addition to the four pieces we are taking with us, we have also contracted extremely high resolution photographs of all the remaining stained glass. This will allow us in the future to print (like literally print!) windows that can be displayed in the new building! We can call up any of the 19 smaller windows for reproduction at any time!

The north facing window’s center panel features Christ from the 23rd Psalm. This beautiful window never got quite as much light as the others because it was so close to the old parsonage. In the new building it will be nice and bright.

While I know as pastor that this scripture i’m about to quote is NOT about stained glass windows; I can’t help but think of John 16:16 as we watch the windows head out for renovation. Jesus went on to say, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.”

We take the best of us with us as we go: our love of God, our great ministries, our vibrant congregation, and even our artwork. A new place is being prepared for ministry in Downs, and we thank you for your support and prayers.

A later addition into the plan, we also decided to take one of the beautiful rose circle pieces at the top of the windows. This piece too will be prepared for display in the new building.