St. Matthew A.M.E. Zion Church repairing glass-stained windows

St. Matthew A.M.E. Zion Church is entering the next phase of its year-long effort of renovations. The next project is the repair of the church’s stained-glass windows.

The windows were installed in 1911 and the protective covers for them have since yellowed and masked, according to the church.

The project will cost an estimated $46,000 and will be done by Associated Crafts & Willet Hauser Architectural Glass, said Henry Scales Sr., treasurer of the restoration committee.

“I am excited to work with St. Matthew on this project,” Tim Hudson, studio consultant for the company, said in a news release. “Based upon our extensive experience throughout the U.S., I know that the end result is going to be something that the community is very proud of.”

Defects in the windows will be repaired and the protective covers will be replaced.

The church has relied on grants and donations from the community to finish previous renovations, such as rewiring the entire church, replacing the sidewalks and installing new doors. The committee said the community’s donations helped to cover the costs of the windows as well.

“It is a blessing that the community supports St. Matthew, and we do the best to support our community,” said Rev. William Rankin, church pastor.

Installation of the windows is planned for May and will take an estimated seven days to complete if weather permits, according to Helene Zacharias, trustee and chair of the restoration committee.

The committee hopes the new windows provide a bright new look to the oldest Black church in Sewickley.

“Hopefully the church stands out as a beacon of salvation,” Zacharias said.

In the future, the church plans to renovate the piano and provide more accessible features, including a ramp outside and an elevator in the building.