Stained Glass and Lighting

Sanctuary Stained Glass (North Windows) and Lighting

Action: This evening (June 19, 2007), the Administrative Council acted to approve acceptance of a gift from one of our church households to fund purchase and installation of stained glass windows in the 12 long windows on the north side of the sanctuary. The Council also approved expeditures to increase electric lighting in the organ, choir and platform areas. Your questions or comments are welcomed; please call Pastor Clay at 507-645-5689. The design is also available for examination in the pastor's office.

Rationale:
• The original aesthetic vision and architectural design by Ed Sovik would be completed. His drawings called for stained glass windows throughout the sanctuary, which the church could not then afford (1964). Special gifts have made this possible on the South side (Wegner gift) and on the West side. The remaining need is on the North side, and an anonymous church household has offered to make a gift of the stained glass purchase and installation.

• Shadowed, poorly-illuminated areas around the organ, choir and platform would be eliminated. Lighting from new track-lighting fixtures would be increased from 8 foot-candles to about 28 foot-candles, significantly improving the functional and aesthetic appearance of the sanctuary.

Design: The David Kjerland Studios have created a flowing, lightly colored and clear stained glass window design, which connects all twelve windows together in an aesthetically pleasing, abstract Creation theme, while preserving roughly half clear window panels to allow a clear, undistorted view of nature and weather outside the window.

Costs:
$55,000 Stained glass windows and installation (David Kjerland Studios)
$10,000 Sanctuary Lighting Improvements (Tony Guth Electric)
$65,000 Total Cost (est.)

Resources
$60,000 Memorial Gift from one church family
$ 5,000 Contributions from congregation, memorials, etc.



FAQ

Has this been thoroughly discussed in the church?
Yes, the Gifts and Investments Committee first considered this and recommended it to the Council. The Visuals Team was consulted and recommended it to the Council. Many on the church staff and a number of church members were privately consulted. A "town hall" gathering of any interested members (about 60 came) met a few weeks ago to discuss this and generally favored the plans for the windows. Finally, the Administrative Council has reviewed the proposed action in detail at two different meetings.

Will we still be able to see the natural beauty outside?
Yes, the design uses about 50% clear panels; other panels will be lightly colored.

When will it be completed?
It should be completed by the end of 2007.

How long will the windows last and what are the maintenance costs?
They should last a century or longer, and maintenance is minimal when properly installed.

Will the stained glass help with heat conservation?
Yes, marginally.

How much natural light will be lost if we put in stained glass?
We estimate 20% may be lost. However, the quality of the light entering will diffuse better throughout the sanctuary without the bright glare factor of the windows as they currently are. In addition, the plan calls for added electric lighting which will end some lighting issues near the organ, choir and platform which have been problematic for many years.

Who are the donors?
The family will remain anonymous for the time being. They ask that a memorial plaque be placed near the windows in honor of family members when the stained glass windows are installed and dedicated.