Old Zionsville

Update, February 2023

Since the “Change for Windows” jar first appeared during the summer of 2020, you have faithfully donated your pennies, nickels, dimes and , uarters (and some bills too!) to the windows restoration project. Another $85 was recently hauled to the bank, bringing the total raised to $870. Keep up the good work. Every penny does count!

Update, December 2022

Congratulations, congregation! The third annual matching gift challenge was a success. THANKS to four supportive members, this year’s challenge was $4,000. THANKS to the generosity of the congregation an additional $4,186 was raised. The third and final phase of the windows restoration can now begin. A contract for restoration of the nativity window has been signed with Cumberland Glass and work will begin sometime in the spring. Take time to look over the poor condition of the nativity windows and then you will more fully appreciate their beauty after restoration!

The remaining two quilts are on display in the upper social hall. The asking price is $350 each or best offer. The holidays are coming and they would make great gifts for a special family member or friend. They will also be offered for sale during the bazaar and basket auction, so don’t wait and miss this wonderful opportunity. All proceeds go to the windows fund. See Pastor Lori, Beth Massa, or Ruth Stansfield. 

Update, September 2022
As of September 11 we have kicked off our 2022 matching gift challenge campaign! We currently have match for up to $3,000. This is an exciting development! Ruth Stansfield game a an update on the Windows to the Future campaign in worship; you can view the presention on the YouTube video from that morning’s worship service.

Update, April 2022
With two phases of the windows restoration complete, a long-range plan is in place for the final phase of the project. Phase 3 includes the Nativity Window and two twin windows on the Fountain Road side of the sanctuary. Restoration of the Nativity Window stained glass will be the first priority. With $25,000 remaining in the fund, the 2022 goal is to raise another $20,000 to cover the $45,000 cost of this next step. Fund raising will continue, including the “change for the windows” jar being available every Sunday, the first quilt auction in April, and a third matching gift campaign in the fall. The quilt is hanging in the Upper Social Hall, so be sure to take a look and offer a bid for this beautiful piece of art. You don’t want to be left out! Other fund raising ideas are also being considered, including the best way to achieve the most benefit from the remaining five handmade quilts that were recently donated. The committee welcomes any ideas you might have to achieve our goals. See Pastor Lori, Beth Massa or Ruth Stansfield.

Update, October 2021
The $5,000 Matching Gift Challenge is well underway, and we are pleased to report that from September 1 to October 24 members have contributed $3,483. Five weeks remain to raise the $1,517 needed to meet the challenge. If you have been considering a donation, now is the time. We can do this!

Update, September 2021
On September 12, 2021, the Windows Renovation Committee provided an project update to the congregation during worship. You can view the information on YouTube. The basics: current status of the project, next windows to be renovated, and announcement of a new matching gift challenge in the amount of $5,000 to run now through November. As always, the committee is amazed by the onging generosity of the congregation in supporting this renovation project!

Update, June 2021
On June 13, 2021, the members of the Windows Renovation Committee provided a project update to the congregation during the worship service. You can read a summary of the presentation or view the presentation on YouTube.

Update, Summer 2020
Exciting news! Work has begun on the restoration of the twin stained glass windows flanking the organ. Cumberland Stained Glass of  Mechanicsburg, PA was selected from five studios to perform the restoration. Cumberland has been in business since 1992 and owner Bryan Lerew has over 40 years experience in the industry.

Repairs to the windows have been made in-house over the years, the latest being in 2000.  But since the windows are over 100 years old, Cumberland advised that continuing to make repairs is no longer feasible and is a waste of our resources. Instead, they recommend a complete restoration of the windows which includes:

REPAINTING OF THE MEDALLIONS which have deteriorated beyond repair. The medallions will be repainted and returned to the original beauty intended by the artist. This step began with the removal of the medallions and transport to the studio on September 14. Clear blue glass was temporarily inserted in the openings.

REMOVAL OF THE WINDOWS for transport to Cumberland’s studio where they will be dismantled, the glass will be hand-washed and reassembled with new lead came and then reinstalled into their respective openings. Painted glass that is badly broken will be replicated. The openings will be temporarily closed with 1/2” homasote.

INSTALLATION OF NEW PROTECTIVE COVERINGS which will be vented at the top and bottom of each window to prevent heat and moisture build-up and to preserve the stained glass.

EXISTING WOOD WINDOW FRAMES will be scraped, primed and painted.

Cumberland expects to remove the windows in the next few weeks and anticipates returning them by December.

Your continued financial support of the windows project throughout the summer has been outstanding and we are happy to report that the Change for the Windows jar brought in another $134.91. Kudos to all!

08Feb2023