Of Calvary Presbyterian Church’s many beautiful attributes, one of the most significant and character defining, is the stunning stained-glass dome in the center ceiling of the sanctuary spanning 22 feet in diameter. Being nearly 120 years old it began exhibiting various stages of deterioration. The decision was made to clean and repair it, and in the last year it has undergone a major restoration.
A rededication service for our Dome was held on September 11, 2022. Following the service Kirk Weaver of the Pittsburgh Stained-Glass Studio explained the trials and triumphs of the restoration and reinstallation process and answered questions concerning the project.
The dome restoration is one part of an ongoing 2022 sanctuary restoration that will include painting and carpeting.
Please enjoy a photo gallery of the restoration process followed by a history of the artisans who completed the job!
The restoration process from beginning to end.
(Click any photo for larger view.)
Dome-Before restoration
Scaffolding for the restoration of the stained glass dome.
As it was.
Careful removal of stained glass plates.
Prior to cleaning and restoration.
Prior to cleaning and restoration.
Single glass section restored at the studio.
Ready for transportation back to Calvary.
Interior walls painted white by Pittsburgh Stained-Glass with installation of LED lights by Anderson Electric of Indiana to reflect more light through the stained glass, once installed.
In the process of reinstallation of the glass sections.
Tribute to the men who worked on this project from Pittsburgh Stained-Glass.
In the process of reinstallation of the glass sections.
Up close.
Progress continues.
Concentration for the installation of another section.
Installation of a different section.
The larger section is approximately 70" X 38". The smaller section is approximately 36" X 34".
Progress continues on a beautiful piece of work.
Looking exceptionally fine!
Beautiful - colors we have never seen before on the dome !
Dome revised 2
Our appreciation to the artisans – then and now.
The dome was created by the Rudy Brothers (Stained Glass) Company in Pittsburgh, PA, 1904-1906 and installed during the construction of the current building. Rudy Brothers was one of the most prominent Pennsylvania stained-glass companies, which makes the dome not only aesthetically, but also historically important. The firm also created windows for other notable clients such as Allegheny General Hospital, Thomas Sutton Dining Hall and the original Leonard Hall at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
The primary structure of the dome consists of wood ribs that have been cut at regular intervals to bend and shape the dome. In July 2021 scaffolding was erected in the sanctuary to provide the artisans, from the Pittsburgh Stained-Glass Studio, access to the dome to begin disassembly for restoration. The 69 individual panels of stained-glass were disassembled and cleaned with broken pieces epoxied or replaced. Each panel was then reassembled on a wood frame to form the curvatures of the restored dome.
High above the Calvary Church pews, the complete reassembly of the dome was completed in June of 2022. In preparation for reinstallation, Anderson Electric of Indiana, Pa. installed new LED lighting within the enclosure above the dome. The light above the stained glass creates even more vibrant color.
Please visit our Church for an appreciation of the Rudy Brothers’ and Pittsburgh Stained-Glass Studio’s workmanship. Services are Sunday mornings at 11:00 a.m. Calvary Presbyterian Church, PCUSA, is located at 695 School Street Indiana, Pa., 15701. All are welcome.