Uncovered and Restored: A Collection of Historical Stained-Glass Panes, Retrieved Following Reconstruction of a City Center Bar
In the heart of downtown Madison, the Church Key Bar, located on the 600 block of University Avenue, has recently unveiled a fascinating piece of the city's history. During the bar's renovation, workers discovered a set of old stained-glass windows that trace their roots back to Luther Memorial Church.
These windows, now a vibrant addition to the Church Key Bar, were originally part of the chapel that stood on the same street in 1915. The chapel served as a gathering place for students and bible studies, providing a spiritual sanctuary for the community.
When Luther Memorial Church moved up the street in the 1920s, some items were left behind, including the building's old stained-glass windows. Over the years, these windows were hidden away, their history forgotten. However, their rediscovery has added a new chapter to the church's rich history.
The architectural similarities between the Church Key Bar and Luther Memorial Church's original building are a potential point of interest. Both buildings were designed by the same architect, lending a sense of continuity to the story of these stained-glass windows.
Church leaders are now planning to incorporate the old stained-glass windows into Luther Memorial Church's current home in the 1000 block of University Avenue. The windows, a significant addition to the church's history, will no longer be forgotten.
Gary Brown, a long-time member of Luther Memorial Church, considers the old stained-glass windows a great addition to the church. "They bring a piece of our past into our present, reminding us of our roots and the community that has supported us for over a century," he said.
Pastor Brad Pohlman also shared his enthusiasm, mentioning that the architect who designed the windows and the building is the same one for the current building. This connection adds another layer to the story of these stained-glass windows, making them an even more valuable piece of Luther Memorial Church's history.
Despite the passage of time, the story of these stained-glass windows serves as a reminder of the church's humble beginnings and the community that supported it. As they are now beautifully displayed at the Church Key Bar, and soon to be incorporated into Luther Memorial Church's current home, these windows continue to shine with the spirit of the past, illuminating the present, and guiding the church into the future.
Adopting the stained-glass windows from the Church Key Bar into their new home-and-garden setting would bring a vintage charm to one's lifestyle, honoring the profound history of Luther Memorial Church. As these pieces of history are reinstalled within the church premises in the 1000 block of University Avenue, the link between old and new will be effortlessly blended, demonstrating a blend of tradition and modernization that reflects the evolving lifestyle of the community.
