Cathedral stained glass window being restored By Felix Garth
St. Peter Cathedral Aministrative Assistant
JACKSON — In June, workers from Conrad Schmitt Studios Inc. of New Berlin, Wis., removed the stained glass window of Christ the Lord handing the keys to St. Peter from the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle for restoration. This window is being restored to give us an idea of what will be involved in the restoration of all 16 stained glass windows in 2011.
After documenting and labeling each panel in place, the stained glass panels were removed and transported to Conrad Schitt Studios.
Over the past seven weeks, the artists working at Conrad Schmitt Studios have been meticulously restoring the the Munich-style stained glass window.
Stained glass restoration techniques include completely disassembling each panel and disposing of the original hazardous lead and putty, cleaning each piece of original glass, re-creating pieces poorly replicated during past repairs and completely regaling and cementing each panel.
Currently, the last of the new support bars are being added and the new interior and exterior trim moldings are being prepared for installation.
During the installation, at the end of this month, the exterior wood frame will be restored with the addition of a new clear 1/4 inch safety laminate storm glass.
The complete restoration of the window will serve as a visual tool illustrating both the need to complete the remaining windows and an example of the quality of artistry and craftsmanship involved in this epic endeavor.
Termite damaged moldings will be removed, replaced, primed and painted along with the entire exterior frame.
Restoration and replacement of the stained glass window follows the earlier renovation of the cathedral’s steeple, bell tower and roof. Scheduled next is the repair of the brick and mortar on the outside of the cathedral followed in 2011 by restoration of all the stained glass windows and work on the interior electrical, lighting and sound systems.
A capital campaign will begin in October at the parish to fund all of the work.
Completion of the steeple restoration this year kicked off a round of celebrations for St. Peter beginning with the 110 anniversary of the church’s dedication on Pentecost Sunday.
That will be followed in 2011 with its 165th anniversary as a parish and in 2012 the Diocese of Jackson will celebrate its 175 anniversary.
