South Loop residents celebrated a milestone in historic preservation this weekend as Second Presbyterian Church unveiled a fully restored Tiffany stained‑glass window. The 16‑foot‑high, 8½‑foot‑wide masterpiece, originally donated by Marshall Field V in 1927, had been hidden behind scaffolding for months while conservators worked to bring it back to its former brilliance.
Community Support Fuels Restoration
The restoration project, launched in 2023, was made possible by a generous contribution from Marshall Field V’s estate, which jump‑started fundraising for the $700,000 effort. Friends of Historic Second Church Board President Nate Lielasus said the donation allowed the campaign to move forward quickly.
Local firms—including Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates and Bulley Andrews Masonry Restoration—provided design, construction, and masonry expertise, ensuring the window’s frame and surrounding sanctuary were repaired in kind with the historic fabric of the building.
Artisan Craftsmanship Restores Tiffany Splendor
Tom Venturella, a stained‑glass specialist who runs a studio in upstate New York, spent 14 months overseeing the restoration alongside partner Jim Murphy. The window, one of nine Tiffany pieces in the church, contains roughly 12,000 glass fragments and 1,000 “jewels” of rough‑cut glass that catch light like diamonds.
Venturella explained that the project required the window to be completely re‑leaded. “We removed and examined each piece of glass, cleaned it, and then reassembled the panel,” he said. Some original glass was incompatible with modern conservation standards and had to be replaced with new material that matched the historic appearance.
Although Venturella initially was not a fan of the Tiffany aesthetic, he grew to appreciate the subtle color variations and depth created by the “diamond” effect. “The sophistication of the art really won me over,” he noted.
Parishioners Reflect on Heritage and Faith
During the celebration, longtime member and former docent Karen Lamb spoke about the personal significance of the window’s return. “Seeing the blues and greens come forward reminds me of the history of this neighborhood and our own roots as Chicago natives,” she said.
Executive Director Andy Pierce explained that the ceremony was scheduled for October to allow removal of interior scaffolding and to wait for cooler weather, ensuring a comfortable gathering for parishioners and visitors.
Looking Ahead
While four of the church’s twelve stained‑glass windows have been restored, eight remain on the restoration schedule. The project’s success highlights the power of community collaboration, private philanthropy, and skilled craftsmanship in preserving Chicago’s architectural heritage.
Second Presbyterian Church will participate in Open House Chicago on October 17‑18, offering guided tours of the sanctuary and its restored windows. The church invites residents and tourists alike to experience the renewed beauty of this historic landmark.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
