✨ Shine the Light – Stained Glass Windows Restoration ✨

The stained glass windows in our church were created in 1888 by William Pape of Leeds, a renowned glass merchant and designer whose work adorned churches throughout the region. His exceptional craftsmanship was celebrated at the Great Exhibition in York in 1889, where he presented an extraordinary 1,500-foot display of stained glass. Among his designs were intricate patterns of scriptural ivy and Passion flowers—motifs still visible in our own windows today.

Installed during the church alterations of 1888, these windows remain one of our most beautiful and treasured features. But after more than 130 years, time has taken its toll. Sections of the glass have sustained damage and are now in need of expert repair. The ventilation sections are currently unusable, and one section near the pulpit has buckled and requires reinforcement and replacement a sections of the glass need replacement due to damage.

During research for this project, we also made an exciting discovery—the original drawings for the stained glass windows, created in 1888. These designs, never before seen by our community, reveal how different the church might have looked, with alternative options once proposed for the space above the altar.

We are delighted at the prospect of working with Barley Studios of York, specialists in the restoration of historic stained glass, to carry out this important work. With a generous grant already received from the Diocese of Leeds, we are now actively seeking further funding to complete the project.

 How you can help...
If you would like to play a part in preserving this precious piece of our church’s heritage, please consider leaving a donation—either in church or online. Every contribution, large or small, brings us closer to ensuring these windows can continue to shine their light for generations to come.

This restoration marks another vital step in making the building fully watertight and safeguarding its history, beauty, and faith for the future.