San Diego, CA
St. Brigid Catholic Church is a landmark of the Pacific Beach community in San Diego, California. Founded in March 1940 by Monsignor J.A.C. Van Veggel, the parish originally served a rapidly growing wartime population. The present sanctuary was dedicated in December 1948 and is renowned for its unique artistic features, most notably the fresco-style Stations of the Cross murals painted by the Benedictine monk Dom Gregory de Wit, OSB. Over the decades, the church has remained a vibrant spiritual hub, undergoing significant renovations in 1997 to expand seating and implement essential earthquake safety retrofitting.
Project Scope & Technical Repairs
This preservation effort involved a comprehensive program of repair and protection for 25 windows throughout the sanctuary. The work was designed to address structural fatigue caused by coastal environmental exposure and the natural aging of the leaded glass.
Restoration & Structural Support
Artisans performed targeted repairs to stabilize the windows and reinforce their frames:
- Structural Corrective Work: On four specific windows, prominent bulging was carefully straightened to return the glass to its original flat plane. To prevent future movement, custom structural support braces were installed.
- Reinforcement: Throughout the series, new glazing bars and support bars were added where necessary to ensure the panels remain secure within their openings.
- Surface Maintenance: The windows were re-cemented on the exterior surface to restore the waterproof seal and stabilize the glass within the lead matrix.
- Millwork Restoration: All surrounding millwork was professionally re-painted, refreshing the aesthetic of the window frames and providing a new layer of protection against the San Diego salt air.
Advanced Protection: The Klear-Flo™ System
To provide long-term defense against the elements and potential impact, the Klear-Flo™ protective covering system was installed.
- Material & Engineering: The system utilizes high-durability 1/4-inch acrylic secured by a specialized perimeter frame.
- Performance: This installation provides a crystal-clear, high-impact shield that protects the historic glass without altering the church’s architectural profile. The system is engineered to allow for proper expansion and contraction, ensuring the leaded glass remains in a stable environment.
Preserving a Coastal Treasure
By integrating traditional craftsmanship with the innovative Klear-Flo™ system, this project secures the artistic legacy of St. Brigid Catholic Church. These restorations ensure that the historic windows and the sacred space they illuminate remain protected for the next generation of the Pacific Beach community.
Associated Resources:
History & Art: The Story of St. Brigid
Parish Website: saintbrigidparish.org
