Rapidan, VA
September 2025
Restoration, Repair, and Protective Coverings
About the Church
Emmanuel Episcopal Church has served the Rapidan, Virginia, community for generations. The historic church and its stained glass windows are an important part of the congregation’s worship space and reflect the architectural and artistic character of this historic Virginia community.
Our Work
Willet Studios completed a preservation project involving eight stained glass windows at Emmanuel Episcopal Church. The project included historic restoration, specialized conservation work, structural repairs, millwork restoration, and the installation of new protective coverings.
Historic Restoration
Three of the stained glass windows were carefully removed from the church and transported to the Willet Studios facility to undergo a complete program of historic restoration.
One of the restored windows required specialized conservation treatment, including conservation cleaning and cold painting to restore areas where the original painted details had been lost.
The restoration process began with removing the existing protective coverings and carefully removing the stained glass from the building. While the windows were being restored, temporary painted plywood was installed in the vacated openings to protect the church.
Following completion of the restoration work, the windows were transported back to the church and carefully reinstalled in their original openings.
Stained Glass Repair & Structural Stabilization
One of the windows underwent additional repairs to address structural concerns. A bulged section was carefully reduced, cracked glass was stabilized, and steel structural support braces were installed to provide additional stability.
These repairs helped relieve stress within the window and provide support for its continued longevity.
Millwork & Window Restoration
The millwork surrounding the windows was repainted as part of the project, refreshing the appearance of the window openings.
The exterior surfaces of the windows were also re-cemented as needed, helping reinforce the window assemblies and improve their resistance to environmental exposure.
Klear-Flo™ Protective Coverings
Following the restoration and repair work, the windows received new protection using the Klear-Flo™ protective covering system.
A specialized perimeter frame with 1/4-inch acrylic was installed to provide an additional protective barrier between the stained glass and the elements.
The Klear-Flo™ system helps protect stained glass from potential impact and environmental exposure while allowing the original artwork to remain visible.
Through careful historic restoration, specialized conservation treatments, structural repairs, millwork restoration, and the installation of new Klear-Flo™ protective coverings, Willet Studios helped preserve the stained glass collection at Emmanuel Episcopal Church for future generations.
Resource
Emmanuel Episcopal Church: emmanuelrapidan.org
