Withrow donation restores Greensboro First Methodist windows
Published 8:00 am Wednesday, August 6, 2014
- Youko Tabokoro, Maverick Stevens and Jeff Loose of Studio Glass Company undertake the enormous task of repairing and refurbishing the magnificent stained glass windows of Greensboro First Methodist's Broad Street campus.
As we welcome Pastor Mike Morgan back for his second year at Greensboro First United Methodist Church, the congregation will also welcome back the bright sunlight that shines through newly-repaired stained glass windows of the historic downtown church.
The downtown campus is presently undergoing needed repairs. The sanctuary and a number of rooms in the building have been repainted. Short-throw projectors have been installed for projecting song lyrics and information on the sanctuary walls during worship. Liberty Builders is in charge of the restoration and painting work on the walls.
The largest project at the historic downtown location is the removal of the old Lexan covering on the beautiful stained glass windows and replacing it with protective glass in new white aluminum frames. This glass will not become cloudy with age, allowing the windows to be clearly visible day and night. In addition, conservation work on the stained glass itself and window frames is in process. Studio Glass Company of Buford, is doing the conservation work under the direction of Jeffrey Loose. The life of stained glass windows is approximately 100 years, if properly maintained. The conservation work presently underway should give the church’s magnificent stained glass another 25 to 30 years before a major restoration is needed.
The church is blessed to have this project funded by Mr. and Mrs. Ed Withrow of Manchester, Ga. Mr. Withrow grew up in Greensboro and was a member of First United Methodist Church during his early years. The Withrows are funding the window project as a memorial to Mr. Withrow’s parents, Charlie and Helen Withrow. Helen Withrow was a member of Greensboro First United Methodist for more than 68 years. The project began in late March of this year and is scheduled for completion by the end of August.
“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to restore the historic beauty of our Broad Street sanctuary even as we update the technology we’re using in worship,” states Pastor Mike Morgan. “The generous gift given in memory of Charlie and Helen Withrow is a blessing not only for our church but for the whole community. As God’s light shines more brightly through the stained glass windows of First United Methodist Church, our congregation is moved to intensify our efforts to share God’s love with everyone here in Greensboro and beyond.”
Pastor Morgan invites all who are looking for a church home to check out the unique two-campus church by attending Sunday worship at either of two locations: 11 o’clock a.m. at 202 West Broad Street in downtown Greensboro or 9:15 a.m. at 4741 Carey Station Road just off Lake Oconee Parkway. From two locations, downtown and the Lake Oconee area, Greensboro First Methodist is able to reach more people for Christ, offer a variety of convenient meeting spaces, expand our ministries, and take advantage of exciting new opportunities for service, fellowship and Christian education.
Come grow with us at First United Methodist Church as Senior Pastor, the Rev. Mike Morgan and his lovely wife Karen begin their second year of ministry in Greensboro. This year, both campuses are participating in a Bible study and devotional program based on the Daily Companion Bible. We’re one church with two campuses, all on the same page!
For more information, please visit www.FUMCGreensboro.org or call the church office at 706-453-7064.