Crown Church in Inverness raises cash for work on stain glass window

CROWN Church is opening its doors to allow the public a final chance to see its impressive stain glass window before it undergoes a £78,000 renovation.

The MacGilp Memorial Window will be removed in early June.

Some 24ft tall at its highest point, the window commemorates the life of Rev John MacGilp, who led the congregation throughout World War I, but was tragically killed in a road accident five years later. Created soon after the war’s end, the window also reflects the congregation’s emotional reaction to the conflict.

However, at almost a century old, the window is failing structurally. Many sections of glass are now protruding, leadwork badly needs attention and there are several cracked panes.

On May 31, scaffolding will be erected inside and outside the window to allow removal of its five sections over two weeks.

The conservation work will be carried out at the Glass Studio in Glasgow by stained glass artist Mark Bambrough, with the fully renovated window scheduled to be reinstated before Christmas.

Half the cost of £78,000 has been met by the congregation and local donors. Grants have come from Scotland’s Churches Trust and The Memorials Fund, but this still leaves a funding gap of under £20,000. The congregational board and the kirk session of Crown Church have agreed to meet any shortfall from reserve funds, but further donations are welcome.

The church, which is still actively seeking a minister after Rev Peter Donald left last year, will be open several days to let the public have a closer look at the window.

It will open to the public from 1pm-5pm on May 24 and 10am-2pm on May 25.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.