by Debbie Shelley
The restoration of the first among the stained-glass windows that St. Joseph Cathedral plans to refurbish was successfully completed, according to the cathedral’s clergy and staff. Following an approximately 2,200-mile round-trip journey from the cathedral to New Berlin, Wisconsin, it appears that Jesus, as depicted as the Christ Child in the temple in the window, returned with luster.
The stained-glass windows have inspired worshipers in St. Joseph Cathedral for more than 100 years. The cathedral community hopes to preserve their longevity for future generations.
On Sept. 12, representatives from Conrad Schmitt Studios in New Berlin came to the cathedral and climbed scaffolding and deftly worked to remove the seven panels which comprise the window and the original design.
As the conservators removed the panels, they were surprised by the extensive termite damage to the back of the wood frame of the window, according to Brandon Geppi, a stained-glass window conservator.
“I’ve never come across that before, where it was it was so eaten by termites. The frame was so eaten by termites that it was almost like mulch in your garden instead of an actual frame,” stated Geppi.
Once the window arrived at the studio, detailed pictures were taken of it to document the current state of the window and its original design, said Geppi.
Top right photo: The restored window panels were removed from the conservators' vehicle and brought into the cathedral to begin the installing process. Photos by Debbie Shelley
Above photo: Brandon Geppi, stinaed-glass window conservator, takes a penel to the scaffold area.
“The lead (matrix) was past its prime, it became brittle and started breaking down,” Geppi said. “It’s standard for lead. Lead lasts about 75-100 years, depending on conditions. When we got the panels out, they needed to be restored.”
Carbon rubbings were made of the panels on pieces of paper, creating a “road map” so when conservators reassembled the window, they knew exactly where each piece belonged. The rubbings provided a reference and helped conservators see the leading and other elements of the panels.
Representative pieces of glass were selected to make sure that no paint was lost during the de-leading process, according to Geppi.
Then conservators put each panel in a bath to dismantle all the lead.
Conservators install the window.
After repairs or replacement of broken glass, the panels were “glazed,” a process in which new leading was placed between the glass pieces and secured the panels with solder on both sides, stated Geppi.
Then the panels went through a cementing process, in which a putty was put into all the lead channels. Cementing helps strengthen the panels and ensures they are weather tight.
Next, replacement bars were attached to the panels with copper ties to provide additional structural support over time.
The panels were given a final inspection and secured, and the window was carefully packed and transported back to the cathedral.
On Dec. 12, the studio’s representatives arrived at the cathedral with the window panels and installed them. While there, they removed the next window to be restored, which depicts the Epiphany, and is located across the nave from the first restored window.
The cathedral community plans to continue with restoration of all twelve large windows within the nave of the church, said Father Cari Bani, pastor of St. Joseph Cathedral.
“Of course, to accomplish this lofty goal, we’ll need the help of those both within and outside of our diocese. If God is calling you to contribute to this worthy project, please visit our website at cathedralbr.org or call our office at 225-387-5928,” Father Bani said.
This sample piece of the window frame shows how termites caused extensive damage to the window.