Stained glass windows at Indherred Lutheran Church repaired
News | Published on October 10, 2022 at 11:27am CDT
By Kris Goracke
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines craft as a “skill in making things especially with the hands. 2: an occupation or trade requiring skill with the hands or as an artist.” It is this appeal to create with their hands that brothers Darin and Tyler Kinnamon, both from Oklahoma, practice the craft of preserving stained-glass windows.
The Kinnamon brothers were recently hired to work on the stained-glass windows of two Starbuck area churches; Indherred and Immanuel Lutheran Church. Over time, stained-glass windows show the wear and tear of the elements. The colors begin to fade and, sometimes, the lead begins to thin. When this happens, the decision to restore, glaze and/or add extra protection can be an option. For the two churches, the decision to preserve and protect the windows was made. “After a period of time the stain glass loses some of its vibrant colors and the lead can loosen its hold on the glass,” said Darin. “With this process, the glass is deoxified causing the colors to brighten and the lead to tighten.”
“We start by pulling off the storm windows and scraping any loose paint. Once the windows are prepped, custom frames are made for each of the windows,” explained Darin. “Every window is different which is why we make custom frames. This process involves the contouring of the aluminum framing so it matches the existing millwork.”
Once the frames are created, they are placed around the windows. The next step is glazing. The glaze is a coating which doesn’t alter the windows, but protects them. “The glaze covering is 600 times stronger than glass. It doesn’t yellow and will keep the windows in great condition for the next 50 years,” said Darin. The glaze is designed to prevent damage from the elements, vandalism, and will also help with energy efficiency by minimizing the loss of heat and cooling.
Darin began learning this craft two years ago. “I was painting houses when a friend asked if I would be interested in doing this protective work on stained-glass windows. So, I began my apprenticeship which lasted two years. After the two years, I began working on my own jobs. And now, my brother Tyler is interested and is now my apprentice.”
“We are an on-site crew,” said Darin. For one month, the brothers lived at the Lakes Area Inn in Starbuck. “We found the area very friendly.” Each day the brothers would travel to Immanuel Church and then later Indherred Church to work on the stained-glass windows. And then, each night they would explore the area. “We found the area offers many interesting things to see,” said Tyler. “Working in an area such as Starbuck, makes it easier being away from home. We were able to enjoy the community after work rather than just sit in a hotel room every night.”
The Kinnamon brothers completed their work in mid-September. The two work for Associated Crafts and Willet Hauser Architectural Glass out of Winona.
