Rose Window In Bloom Again At Camp Mack
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
MILFORD - Every year people come from across the United States to see the Church of the Brethren historical murals in Quinter-Miller auditorium at Camp Alexander Mack. Now, after nearly a third of a century, visitors to Camp Mack may again see the round, 11-foot diameter stained glass window high above the altar in the auditorium.
For years this large Rose Window at the front of Quinter-Miller was covered as its deteriorated condition was precarious. Some thought the glass may have fallen down between the wall and the outside of the building. Many had almost given up hope of ever again seeing the sun streaming through that magnificent stained glass window. People visiting the camp during the last 30 years never experienced this rose.
Occasionally someone would dream of repairing the window, but the feeling was that even if a way could be found to restore the window, the cost would likely be prohibitive. And so year after year, the window remained covered.
In 2003, when the desire to repair the window again surfaced, things fell into place. A generous donor offered a $10,000 matching challenge gift to make the restoration financially possible. Ted Moss, of Moss Stained Glass, Anderson, was found to be experienced and willing to take on this large task.
As the window was uncovered, it was discovered the frame was deteriorated and fragile and most of the glass was intact. Moss' crew removed the glass section by section taking pictures as they worked, noting the pieces' locations.
Camp staff and volunteers, using a computerized frame design developed by an employee of the camp, replicated the complicated design in 3-inch cherry wood with a separate outside ring of tulip poplar. Six people, with the help of a rope over a beam, raised the heavy frame back in place, where it was cemented.
Moss' crew installed the restored glass during Thanksgiving week.
According to the May 1937 issue of the Middle Indiana District Newsletter, the Rose Window was part of a donation to the camp given in 1933 by Br. John Worthman of Fort Wayne.
In "The Story of Camp Mack," L.W. Shultz writes that Worthman was a contractor who received the materials from a church not in use in Fort Wayne as part of his agreement for tearing it down.
The 1937 photograph shows the Rose Window and the Good Shepherd Window, each set in stone, standing as pillars about 160 feet apart, waiting for side walls and a roof. Quinter-Miller, with its stained glass windows, was dedicated June 2, 1940,
Couples may again choose to have their weddings at the altar below the window again. Conference-goers can now see the window when they meet for worship. [[In-content Ad]]
MILFORD - Every year people come from across the United States to see the Church of the Brethren historical murals in Quinter-Miller auditorium at Camp Alexander Mack. Now, after nearly a third of a century, visitors to Camp Mack may again see the round, 11-foot diameter stained glass window high above the altar in the auditorium.
For years this large Rose Window at the front of Quinter-Miller was covered as its deteriorated condition was precarious. Some thought the glass may have fallen down between the wall and the outside of the building. Many had almost given up hope of ever again seeing the sun streaming through that magnificent stained glass window. People visiting the camp during the last 30 years never experienced this rose.
Occasionally someone would dream of repairing the window, but the feeling was that even if a way could be found to restore the window, the cost would likely be prohibitive. And so year after year, the window remained covered.
In 2003, when the desire to repair the window again surfaced, things fell into place. A generous donor offered a $10,000 matching challenge gift to make the restoration financially possible. Ted Moss, of Moss Stained Glass, Anderson, was found to be experienced and willing to take on this large task.
As the window was uncovered, it was discovered the frame was deteriorated and fragile and most of the glass was intact. Moss' crew removed the glass section by section taking pictures as they worked, noting the pieces' locations.
Camp staff and volunteers, using a computerized frame design developed by an employee of the camp, replicated the complicated design in 3-inch cherry wood with a separate outside ring of tulip poplar. Six people, with the help of a rope over a beam, raised the heavy frame back in place, where it was cemented.
Moss' crew installed the restored glass during Thanksgiving week.
According to the May 1937 issue of the Middle Indiana District Newsletter, the Rose Window was part of a donation to the camp given in 1933 by Br. John Worthman of Fort Wayne.
In "The Story of Camp Mack," L.W. Shultz writes that Worthman was a contractor who received the materials from a church not in use in Fort Wayne as part of his agreement for tearing it down.
The 1937 photograph shows the Rose Window and the Good Shepherd Window, each set in stone, standing as pillars about 160 feet apart, waiting for side walls and a roof. Quinter-Miller, with its stained glass windows, was dedicated June 2, 1940,
Couples may again choose to have their weddings at the altar below the window again. Conference-goers can now see the window when they meet for worship. [[In-content Ad]]