Battle Creek Church in Battle Creek, Michigan, reached out to Scottish Stained Glass with a remarkable vision—to transform a large brick wall behind the altar into what appeared to be a grand stained glass window. The church wanted a centerpiece that would bring light, beauty, and meaning to the sanctuary without cutting into the existing structure. Our team designed a breathtaking LED-backlit stained glass installation that gives the illusion of natural sunlight streaming through a traditional window. This innovative approach allowed the congregation to enjoy the timeless beauty of stained glass while overcoming architectural limitations in a 100-year-old building.
Project Overview
Project Details
Location: Battle Creek, Michigan
Type of Project: Custom Backlit Stained Glass Installation
Glass Type: Hand-painted and layered stained glass with LED illumination
Client Type: Historic Church
The installation was a significant engineering and artistic feat. The custom stained glass and steel frame structure weighed over 1,000 pounds, requiring reinforced support plates and precision mounting to safely distribute the load across the wall. Collaborating closely with a religious artist, the church received permission to reinterpret an existing oil painting into stained glass. Our artisans meticulously translated the image—adding lead lines, selecting base glass colors, and applying layers of paint to replicate the original artwork’s depth and emotion. The finished window measured an impressive 30 feet wide by 17 feet tall, spanning nearly 200 square feet of illuminated glass.
Notable Highlights
What makes this project extraordinary is the seamless blend of innovation, faith, and craftsmanship. By combining modern LED technology with centuries-old stained glass artistry, Scottish Stained Glass created a radiant centerpiece that transforms the sanctuary’s atmosphere. The border of the window incorporates design elements inspired by the church’s original 100-year-old stained glass, allowing the new installation to feel as though it has always belonged. The result is a visually and spiritually stunning work of art—one that unites past and present while illuminating the heart of worship at Battle Creek Church.