Church receives estimates for Tiffany window restoration

By Geri Corey GOSHEN — Three companies have supplied estimates to the Stained Glass Committee at the First Presbyterian Church of Goshen to restore one of its treasured Tiffany windows, “Christ and the Pilgrims.”

“All of the companies are qualified to restore Tiffany windows,” said committee member Cecile Ayres. Tiffany windows, created using favrile, a kind of enameled glass, having a rich, iridescent color, require a specialized technique to repair.

To determine restoration costs, each company is following the same specifications as set by William Stivale, Building Conservator of New York City. Stivale had worked with the church in the 1990s when its 186-foot tower needed restoration.

“The windowpane is thicker than ordinary glass and was never installed properly in the first place,” said the Rev. David Kingsley, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, explaining in part, why the window needs to be repaired. He added that restoration has to deal with the whole area, including the window, wood frame and outside stonework.

“Stone around the window has to be pointed correctly to keep out water seepage,” he explained.

The estimated cost for the window restoration is $50,000, not including the stonework. The bulk of the money was raised through community awareness by supporting two galas, known as the “Tiffany Ball,” held at the Goshen Historic Track Museum. A third Tiffany Ball is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 2, 2013.

Also know as the Redfield window, “Christ and the Pilgrims” was donated in 1930 by Edgar Redfield in loving memory of his parents, David Redfield and Eliza Anderson Bradner, a direct descendant of the first pastor, John Bradner, who served the church from 1721 to 1732. On Edgar Redfield’s direction, the window faces Park Place, the site of his boyhood home.

When the committee does choose a restoration company, the information has to go to the ruling board of elders for a final decision, said Ayres, adding, “We hope work on the window will begin in May or June.”

Pastor Kingsley said that once restoration work is under way, the community would be invited to view the work in progress.

“Christ and the Pilgrims” is thought to be Louis Tiffany’s last work and considered to be one of his best.

Next on the list of needed window repairs at the First Presbyterian Church is the impressive three-lancet Tiffany window, “The Resurrection,” that enhances the chancel. Although it’s not in need of glass restoration, the stonework has to be pointed. Contributed by Gates W. McGarrah, first president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, “The Resurrection” was installed in 1925. “It is in very good condition, Ayres commented.

The proceeds from a church raffle of the John F. Gould well-known original painting, “Harriman Fountain,” are also being used to offset the costs of the Tiffany windows repairs.