Founded in 1879, Sam Houston State University is one of the oldest universities in Texas, rich with history and tradition. Scottish Stained Glass was honored to collaborate with the university to recreate a cherished piece of its heritage. The school’s motto, “The measure of a Life is its Service,” was once displayed in a stained glass window that adorned one of the university’s original buildings. After the tragic fire of 1982 destroyed the structure and all its stained glass, SHSU commissioned our team to bring this important artwork back to life. The nearly year-long project resulted in a faithful replication of the original window, serving as both a memorial and a celebration of the university’s enduring legacy.
Project Overview
Project Details
Location: Huntsville, Texas
Client: Sam Houston State University
Project Type: Full replication and recreation of historic stained glass window
Timeline: Approximately one year
Original Context: Commemorative window lost in 1982 fire
Glass Details: 3,000–4,000 pieces of hand-painted glass
Design Features: Enlarged framework (double the original size), layered kiln-fired paint for depth and shadow
Installation Site: Newly renovated Student Center with commemorative plaque
Notable Highlights
This project marked Scottish Stained Glass’s first complete stained glass replication, pushing our artisans to new levels of precision and creativity. With only a single reference photo from a 1964 yearbook, our team digitally scanned and reconstructed the original design to scale, ensuring accuracy in proportion and detail. Finding matching glass proved especially challenging—the original glass, produced over a century ago, was no longer available. Our conservation specialists meticulously hand-painted and kiln-fired each layer, sometimes applying over ten layers to achieve the perfect tones and shading. The finished window, nearly twice the size of the original, stands as a testament to both the artistry of the past and our dedication to preserving history. The SHSU community was deeply moved by the final installation, which now serves as a lasting tribute to the university’s values and heritage.