Church of the Cross window restoration to resume

TICONDEROGA | The Episcopal Church of the Cross on Champlain Avenue has received an answer to a prayer. Thanks to community contributions and major fundraising efforts, a lifeline for the church's stained glass windows was begun this past fall, and now that spring has arrived and warmer weather will soon return, work will resume on its massive window restoration project. "From starting from absolutely nothing and to be able to fund this amazing project is a blessing," said Judy Walker, the church clerk who passionately spearheaded the project. "We are unbelievably thankful. Antique stained glass restoration is an intricate area, so you can't get it done cheaply. We feel this project is very important and hope the windows last another 138 years." The stained glass windows (dating back from 1885) were dying a slow and certain death, the lead in the windows had deteriorated to the point that an eventual collapse and shattering of all 43 was inevitable. That would be tragic enough aesthetically and a loss of handcrafted pieces, but what would be even more heartbreaking is that the windows represent more than just beauty for the church- they are part of the town's history and heritage. "We believe we are working to preserve the memories of local residents from the 1800s," Walker said. "What is so amazing and the reason I think it's so important to preserve these is that almost every single window is dedicated to somebody or given by somebody who was in Ticonderoga in 1885." Family names like Baker, Jeffers, Palmer, Bailey, Royce, Plumb, Treadway, Wilcox, Baldwin and Calkins appear, names many in town know well and some of whom are still in the community. One window says "Presented by Joseph Cook." Those familiar with local history will recognize him as the man responsible for naming many of the streets in town in the 1870s. The stained glass windows are historical artifacts as much as they are part of the Carpenter Gothic architecture of the church. Sternly warned by professionals that the windows were on borrowed time, the church began the daunting task of attempting to raise the estimated $204,942 to repair every window. They received donations of over $170,688, one unexpected and extremely generous donation accounting for $126,000 of that. "That was truly an amazing gift," Walker acknowledged. "What is also incredible is that donations towards the project have not only come from the Episcopal congregation, people from other churches in the area also contributed." Work on the first five windows up near the altar began in August of 2023 and finished in December, ceasing during the winter months. The professionals at ALL In Glass Studios Too, Inc., out of Glens Falls, are the company handling the tedious and delicate repairs and are taking all measures necessary to keep the stained glass windows as close to their origins as possible. "I'm hoping we don't get any change orders," Walker said. "We end up spending $8,000 more on the first five because of the work that it entailed that we did not foresee." If all goes according to plan with minimal bumps along the way, the entire project could be completed in as soon as 12 months. "The first five were the most difficult to do because of their intricate detail," Walker said. "They also needed some paint retouching." The desire is to get another century (or two) out of the antique windows. However, the church still needs to raise another $10,000 to see the project through and is hoping to raise those remaining funds throughout this year.Next up for restoration will be the windows up in the bell tower, which feature molding that rots more and more as each day passes. Donation checks may be made out to the Church of the Cross and earmarked for "Windows Fund," and mailed to 129 Champlain Ave., Ticonderoga, NY, 12883. All donations are tax-deductible. "I'd love to have people who have family honored on these windows to come in and have a look," Walker encouraged. "I'd be glad to open the church for anyone at any time to come and see the windows." Walker may be reached at 518-984-0088 for further details and questions. All donors will be honored and recognized on a plaque displayed in the church.

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Church of the Cross window restoration to resume

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