The Legacy of Tiffany-Style Stained Glass: Restoration at Market Street Baptist Church in Ohio
Stained glass is one of the most enduring art forms in American churches. In Ohio, Market Street Baptist Church in Zanesville is home to some of the most extraordinary Tiffany-style stained glass windows. Recently, Scottish Stained Glass began restoring these 150-year-old masterpieces, ensuring their legacy continues for future generations. This case study explores the history of Tiffany-style stained glass, the challenges of restoring historic windows, and the impact of our work at Market Street Baptist Church.
The History and Significance of Tiffany-Style Stained Glass
The original Tiffany Studios revolutionized stained glass in the late 19th century, introducing Favrile glass, an iridescent medium that transformed the art form. This technique, along with intricate hand-painted details, created windows of unmatched beauty and complexity.
The stained glass at Market Street Baptist Church represents one of Ohio’s most notable examples of this craftsmanship. Each panel includes more than 1,400 individually hand-cut glass pieces, arranged into vibrant biblical scenes that have inspired the congregation for generations.
Learn more about the origins of Tiffany glass.
Challenges of Restoring 19th-Century Stained Glass
After more than a century, the Market Street windows showed signs of significant deterioration. Weakened lead cames, cracked panels, and fading colors threatened their structural integrity and diminished their brilliance.
Restoring stained glass of this age requires a delicate balance between conservation and repair. Every intervention must respect the authenticity of the original artwork while reinforcing it for long-term stability.
Read more about conservation and restoration of stained glass.
The Scottish Stained Glass Restoration Process
At Scottish Stained Glass, we follow a proven multi-step process:
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Documentation & Removal – Each panel is photographed, labeled, and carefully removed.
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Cleaning & Repair – Conservation-grade cleaning techniques restore brilliance, while damaged pieces are repaired or replaced with historically accurate glass.
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Releading & Reinforcement – Windows are rebuilt with new lead cames to strengthen structure while preserving original design.
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Reinstallation – Restored panels are securely returned to their frames, ready to inspire future generations.
Community Impact and Cultural Preservation
For the members of Market Street Baptist Church, this restoration represents more than technical work. It is the preservation of spiritual heritage and community identity. As the restored windows return to their original brilliance, they continue to inspire worshippers and stand as cultural landmarks in Zanesville, Ohio.
Ensuring Legacy for Future Generations
This project demonstrates the importance of professional stained glass restoration for churches and historic buildings. With decades of experience and a dedication to craftsmanship, Scottish Stained Glass ensures that masterpieces like those at Market Street Baptist Church will endure for centuries to come.
Learn more about our full range of services on our Church Stained Glass Restoration page.
