Two trends are taking place in new church construction today that some say will lead to the demise of stained glass.

First, because of such a strong emphasis on new forms of media and music, the "new" sanctuary is often being built to be totally dark inside, allowing for lighting, sound, and visual systems to be flexible for all forms of contemporary worship. Often, committees forget that stained glass was God's original slide show; it allowed God's light to penetrate the beautifully colored or painted/fired glass to tell His story.

Second, there is a tendency toward "economy." "Stained glass would be nice," one committee person told me, "but we don't have the money."

Compelling Reasons
Look at these compelling reasons to include stained glass in your new construction plans.

1. Inspiration
One only needs to look at the face of a child gazing upon stained glass to appreciate its value, which is priceless.

Imagine a series of windows on the north wall of your new building. It has scenes of Jesus' life from his birth, baptism, ministry, last supper, trial, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. On the south wall is the story of God's promise to his "chosen people" from Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David and the prophets. As the congregation exists to the east, there is a story of the new church at Pentecost, and the ministries of Peter and Paul as Christianity is taken into the world. The window above the baptistery is a quiet, yet majestic image. Imagine that…

2. Heritage
While it is fine to build the church building for today, one must also build for the future, which means you provide something for your congregation upon which a heritage is founded.

One of the strongest trends in new church construction is from long-established churches; the one thing congregants want moved to the new site is the stained glass. Stained glass has power that should not be underestimated.

3. Fundraising
Few things in the life of the church raise money easier than does stained glass (with the possible exception of a pipe organ). Recently, I presented a design for a fabulous stained glass window for a large chapel. Its cost? $75,000. Although the committee loved the

design and could see the value of the window for the chapel, it was the money that almost overwhelmed them. I insisted that they take the design to just one or two people for funding. Apparently, the committee did not have to speak to the second person. A check for the entire amount was written the day of the first presentation.

Stained glass draws an unbelievable amount of money from sources a congregation would not often touch. Look at the benefits: that chapel has a masterpiece that presents a biblical messages, and the family involved receives great satisfaction of knowing they have left their congregation with something inspirational for decades (probably centuries.

Countering the Arguments
Exponents of light and beauty only need to counter the arguments. Try the following.

1. Do Not Close Out God's Light
While designing a new church building to be in complete darkness might have its merits for some purposes. We all know that trends change. There are many effective ways to have the brilliance of light streaming through stained glass, and then simply push a button to have shades covering the glass for the few moments a visual presentation needs darkness.

If your church is insistent upon darkness, there are other ways of providing the stained glass for the congregation. What about a huge entryway "creation" image as the people enter and depart worship? What about stained glass at the end of walkways in the educational buildings, or a mixture of glass and light along the top of the fellowship hall?

2. Chief Fundraiser
The argument typically goes like this: "Sure, we have several who would pay for the To be remembered past one's lifetime is a basic human need. Probably 50% or more of stained glass windows have been given in remembrance of a loved one. Since stained glass can be periodically restored (and protected and insulated from the elements), the window and the name can endure far into the future. Perpetuation needs generate enormous fundraising powers. If appropriate, utilize those needs for God's building.

Thus, do not construct a building in darkness; instead, build one that tells the story of God's handiwork that a worshipper can gaze upon throughout his or her life's Christian journey.

Do not think small and economical, but, rather, dream dreams and imagine the image of the Bible shining through the walls, and know that you can fund those images far easier than to not have them at all.

Build stained glass into your future.

Dr. Gary Gray travels the nation inspecting and appraising stained glass in the greatest of cathedrals, as well as the most humble churches and synagogues. He is the author of God's Story Through…God's Light.

Product Roundup

Willet Hauser
Since 1898, Willet Hauser Architectural Glass has a legacy of stunning stained glass design and more than six decades of renowned restoration. The proof of their artistry is in the projects that they have designed and restored. When you choose Willet Hauser to create or preserve your legacy in stained glass, you are placing it in the experienced hands of artists, designers and craftspeople whose sole purpose is to ensure that every detail reflects your unique vision in a tribute of:
* Glass
* Color
* Light.
www.willethauser.com

Creative Glassworks
Creative Glassworks, established in 1993, is a leader in restoration excellence. Creative Glassworks:
* Is an accredited full-service studio
* Has twice been awarded the "Preservation Excellence Award" from the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation
* Takes special pride in its craftsmanship and that of craftsman long since past
Creative Glassworks offers a rarely used technique called "water gilding," a process by which 23-karat gold leaf is applied to glass and subsequently '"sandwiched" in order to yield a most stunning effect.
www.creativeglassworks.com

A & H Art & Stained Glass
For more than a half century, A & H Art & Stained Glass Co. has been continuing an art form that started more than a thousand years ago. Services include:
* One-on-one consultation
* Design
* Fabrication
* Installation
The company also provides custom aluminum thermal-break framing and protective glazing, striving to provide the utmost satisfaction and quality in the commissions. 
www.ahstainedglass.com

Bovard Studio 
Bovard Studio is a full-service stained glass studio. Artisans at Bovard:
* Design, fabricate and install new traditional and contemporary stained glass windows
* Provide full stained glass restoration services
* Provide new protective glazing systems with Precision Flow ventilation system
Bovard's includes a complete woodshop, metal fabrication/welding shop and a full-time engineering staff.  More than 60 talented artists, craftspeople and staff come from around the world.
www.bovardstudio.com

Conrad Schmitt Studios
The best of traditional craft and new technology is preserved and advanced at Conrad Schmitt Studios, one of the oldest and largest art glass and decorative painting studios in the United States. Each year, dozens of meticulously crafted new stained glass windows are created by CSS artists in a variety of styles for public and private settings. The studio can provide:
* Sketches
* Decorative paint studies
* Samples
* Fundraising boards, which assist clients in generating enthusiasm and financial support by offering a glimpse of the exciting possibilities
www.conradschmitt.com

O'Brien Stained Glass
Since 1979, artisans at O'Brien Stained Glass Company, Inc. have been working with churches and institutions for their stained glass needs. The company is involved with:
* Design
* Fabrication
* Maintenance
O'Brien creates new stained glass pieces, but also works heavily in restoration, repair and maintenance of existing pieces. 
www.obrienstainedglass.com