Vernon Chapel AME Church — Tulsa, Oklahoma Stained Glass Restoration
Scottish Stained Glass was honored to restore the stained glass windows at Vernon Chapel AME Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a historically significant site known for surviving the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. This project—the Vernon Chapel AME Church stained glass restoration—revived 21 original windows, preserving both their spiritual and community legacy.
Historical Significance of the Church
Founded in Tulsa’s Greenwood district—once known as Black Wall Street—the church served as a refuge during the tragic riots. The congregation rebuilt the sanctuary with stained glass windows installed in the late 1920s to honor resilience and collective memory. The windows feature donor names etched into glass, preserving personal and communal legacy (Saving Places).
Restoration Challenges and Approach
With decades of exposure to Tulsa’s climate, the windows suffered severe deterioration. Our restoration involved:
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Assessment & Removal: Documenting and dismantling 130 panels comprising over 5,000 individual glass pieces, including nearly 700 damaged beyond repair (Commercial Art Glass).
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Glass Matching & Repair: Replacing only unsalvageable pieces with carefully matched glass.
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Protective Glazing: Installing exterior protective glazing with ventilation to safeguard longevity (Scottish Stained Glass Protective Glazing).
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Memorial Window Addition: Designing and donating a new “Legacy Window” to commemorate the church’s historic role (Saving Places).
Community Impact
When revealed, the restored windows—including the donated memorial—sparked an emotional response from the congregation. Reverend Turner and members experienced a profound reconnection with their history and collective spirit. The church continues its legacy of service by providing hundreds of thousands of meals to the community, reinforcing its central role in Tulsa (Saving Places).
Continuing the Mission Through Conservation
Projects like Vernon Chapel reflect our commitment to preserving more than glass—they safeguard stories, faith, and cultural identity. We apply best practices like minimal intervention and reversibility, ensuring artworks endure authentically for generations (Conservation of Stained Glass – Wikipedia).
Discover more of our work on our Church Stained Glass Restoration page.
