Frankford, DE

Roxana-Zion United Methodist Church in Frankford, Delaware, serves as a cornerstone of its community, with roots dating back to the late 19th century. The current structure, characterized by its traditional rural church architecture, has undergone various renovations over the decades to preserve its role as a spiritual and social hub for the Roxana area. The preservation of its stained glass is a vital part of maintaining the church’s historic character and humble, enduring beauty.

Project Scope & Repairs

The project involved a comprehensive Repair, Re-lead, and Protective Covering program for five of the church’s windows. The focus was on addressing structural vulnerabilities and aging hardware to ensure the windows remain weather-tight and secure.

The Restoration Process

Artisans performed a series of technical repairs designed to stabilize the glass and modernize the exterior protection:

• Ventilator Restoration: The window ventilators were removed and meticulously repaired or restored. For several units, the decision was made to seal the ventilators shut to prevent future air and moisture infiltration, enhancing the building’s thermal efficiency.
• Structural Stabilization: Two windows with cracked glass were carefully stabilized to prevent further damage. The entire set of windows was re-cemented to ensure the glass remains firm within the lead matrices.
• Millwork & Cleaning: The interior surfaces of the glass were cleaned to restore their original brilliance, and the surrounding millwork was re-painted to refresh the aesthetic and protect the wood framing.
• Advanced Protection (Klear-flo System): The outdated protective coverings were replaced with the high-performance Klear-flo protective covering system. This installation utilized a specialized perimeter frame and 1/4-inch acrylic, providing a crystal-clear shield against the elements without obscuring the windows’ beauty.

Maintaining Sanctuary Continuity

To ensure the church remained functional and visually consistent during the repair phase, tinted acrylic was temporarily installed in the window openings. This allowed the restoration team to work on the glass off-site or in stages without leaving the sanctuary exposed to the weather or detracting from the worship environment.

Legacy of Care

Through this project, Roxana-Zion United Methodist Church has proactively secured its historic glass for the next generation. By combining structural stabilization with the state-of-the-art Klear-flo system, the church preserves its heritage while embracing modern standards of building maintenance.