Sacred Places Summer 2012 | Page 22

PROFESSIONAL ALLIANCE SPOTLIGHT (continued) explains, “At any time in the process, a client can contact one of the owners about their glass: we know the status of the project and have been a part of the process.” The studio encourages clients to see how the work on their piece is coming along throughout the restoration process. Rogers observes that “there’s an extra feeling of security for clients because it’s possible to see the work being done as it is happening.” These are just a few elements that make the firm so good at what it does. Glass Heritage understands that preserving historic windows can be a financial challenge, especially when a historic sacred place has other pressing needs. Rogers points out that one cost-saving option is to take the restoration one small bit at a time. Often, Glass Heritage will come in and restore a single window, choosing the one that needs the most work or is the most prominent piece in the sanctuary. Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fort Madison, IA, for example, couldn’t afford to restore all of its historic stained-glass windows at once, so with the help of Glass Heritage, the parish decided to repair the most prominent window, the one that sits directly above the main entrance. Rogers notes, “It’s what you see from the street when you enter the church.” The lead was failing and pieces of glass were actually beginning