Preserving the Light: St. James Episcopal Church Restores Historic Stained Glass Windows

At St. James Episcopal Church in Mansfield, our stained glass windows have inspired generations of worshippers with their beauty, craftsmanship, and message of faith. Dating back to the construction of our church in 1870–1871, these remarkable windows have witnessed more than 150 years of baptisms, weddings, funerals, and weekly worship. Today, they continue to tell the story of God's presence through light and color.

In 2023, our parish celebrated the completion of a comprehensive restoration of all 33 stained glass windows throughout the church. The project, valued at approximately $188,000, was made possible entirely through the extraordinary generosity of parishioners Samuel and Karen Cooke, whose love for St. James and commitment to preserving its heritage made this work possible.

The restoration addressed windows throughout the sanctuary, including the magnificent rose window at the rear of the church, as well as windows in the parish office and other areas of the building. Years of weather and age had taken their toll. Some windows had begun to bulge, protective coverings had deteriorated, and even snow found its way through damaged sections during winter storms. Eleven of the most fragile windows were carefully removed and transported to Minnesota, where skilled artisans from Associated Crafts & Willet Hauser Architectural Glass restored them using traditional techniques. The remaining windows were restored on site.

The project also uncovered a remarkable piece of the church's history. While examining one of the windows, the restoration team discovered a small inscription hidden within the stained glass itself:

"Pray for the Souls of Slack & Booth, Glass Stainers, Orange, N.J., America."

This inscription identified the original creators of the windows, solving a mystery that had remained unanswered for generations. It was a reminder that historic churches continue to reveal treasures to those who care for them.

Additional discoveries included historic architectural details such as a carved floor tile in the bell tower bearing the saw—the traditional symbol of St. James the Less, the patron saint of our parish.

Among the sanctuary's most treasured windows are those surrounding the altar. The central window depicts Christ, flanked by windows honoring St. James and St. Philip, creating a beautiful focal point for worship that has inspired generations of parishioners.

For the members of St. James, the restoration was never simply about repairing old windows. It was about preserving a sacred space where faith is nurtured, community is strengthened, and future generations will continue to encounter God. As sunlight streams through the restored glass, the sanctuary is once again filled with vibrant colors that remind us of the beauty and diversity of God's creation.

Although ours is a small congregation, we believe that caring for this historic church is an act of faithful stewardship. These windows are more than works of art—they are visual sermons, telling the story of Christ and the saints while inviting all who enter to worship in a space filled with history, beauty, and hope.

We are deeply grateful to Samuel and Karen Cooke for their remarkable generosity, to the skilled artisans who restored these historic windows, and to all who continue to care for St. James Episcopal Church. Through their dedication, the light that has shone through these windows for more than a century and a half will continue to inspire worshippers for generations to come.