Stained Glass Windows at Mt. Holly United Methodist Church in Rock Hill, SC

In 1998, Laws Stained Glass Studios installed (19) new opalescent glass windows at Mt. Holly United Methodist Church in Rock Hill, SC. The ten large sanctuary windows (size 51" wide x 120" high with a round top) and one shorter one (82" high) contain a 20" x 32" hand-stained glass medallion depicting the Life of Christ and a memorial plate at the bottom. Five windows in the choir area (size 38" wide x 56" high) each contained a 12" round symbol and a memorial plate. A couple of windows in the bell tower contained 12" round Biblical scenes and memorial plates.

In 1998, Laws removed the existing frames and installed new white aluminum frames from brick to brick. On the inside of the frames, the leaded opalescent glass was set. On the exterior, 1/4" Lucite acrylic was installed as the protective covering.

In 2015, the church began to build a new sanctuary. In order to build, they needed to tear down their existing one. In September 2015, Laws came and removed the opalescent glass windows. The leaded panels were crated and stored at Laws Stained Glass Studios in Statesville, NC. Along with the leaded windows, Laws removed the aluminum frames as well and stored them. Laws highly recommends saving and reusing their frames when possible for two very important reasons. The first reason is that the frames match the leaded panels sizes exactly. By using the same frames, there is less chance that the contractor will make the new window openings the wrong size. (Note that the frames have to match within about 1/8" for the leaded panels to fit properly. Many times this does not happen and the openings have to be remade, frames adjusted, leaded panels adjusted, or other changes have to be made that cost money and time. On some occasions, the miscalculation is so bad that the leaded panels are not able to be reused.) The second reason is that the church saves money on the cost of new frames.

In the spring of 2016, Laws reinstalled the white aluminum frames along with (15) new aluminum frames. These frames were anchored to the new stud walls. The contractor covered the frames with plastic to protect them while the brick masons laid the brick up to them to ensure a tight fit. (On many new construction jobs, Laws will install the frames early or ship the frames to the contractor so that the brick masons can use them as a template, especially for round top or gothic top windows.)

Thirteen of the new windows in 2016 were opalescent glass windows (size 36" wide x 62" high) with a 12" round symbol of the United Methodist Church with a memorial plate. One six foot diameter window with a cross was made along with a three foot diameter window with the United Methodist Church symbol. An additional large sanctuary window (size 51" wide x 120" high with a round top) was made as well.

In May 2016, Laws installed new 5/8" tempered Insulated Glass Units were installed as the new protective covering. On the inside of the frame, the leaded panels were installed. Laws also made a large window (size 71" wide x 51" high with a round top) over the front doors. This window contained the United Methodist Church symbol.

Picture of the windows installed in 1998

Picture of the windows installed in 1998 from the outside

Opalescent glass window with a 20" x 32" hand-stained glass medallion and a memorial plate

View of the windows in the old sanctuary before they are crated and stored

Opalescent glass window with a 12" round symbol and a memorial plate

Opalescent glass window with a 12" round Biblical scene and a memorial plate

Opalescent glass window with a 12" round symbol and a memorial plate

Opalescent glass window set into wood frame in 1999

Opalescent glass windows removed and crated

Close-up showing a cracked piece of Lucite acrylic where it had apparently protected the opalescent glass window from flying debris.

This photo shows where the old white aluminum frames have been re-installed and the brick masons have laid their brick to them, ensuring a tight fit. Now, the worker is examining the frames before he installs the 5/8" Insulated Glass Units which are in view at the lower right hand corner.

View of the new insulated glass units installed into the re-used frames.

This photo shows the bulges straightened and four new interlocking vertical braces to give the window extra support.

Round window installed with new frame and insulated glass units

Opalescent glass windows set into white aluminum frames with 5/8" insulated glass units as the protective covering.

Close-up of the installation from the outside with 5/8" insulated glass unit as the protective covering

View of the entrance windows

Another view of the windows from the outside

Opalescent glass window with 20" x 32" hand-stained glass medallion depicting the "Last Supper" and a memorial plate

Close-up of the "Last Supper" 20" x 32" medallion

Small opalescent window with a custom 12" symbol (note the low lighting)

6 ft. diameter window high on the gable end

Opalescent glass window with 12" round symbol of the United Methodist Church with a scroll memorial plate

Transom window with cut-in United Methodist Church symbol over the entrance doors set into a wood frame

Contact Information

Mt. Holly United Methodist Church

1996 Mt. Holly Road

Rock Hill, SC 29730

(803) 327-5779

mthollyumc.org

1996 Mt. Holly Road Rock Hill, SC 29730

Stained Glass
Studios, Inc.

Church Stained Glass Windows, Repairs, Protective covering,