- Project
St. Paul’s United Church Window Restoration
Boissevain, Manitoba | 2026 | Heritage Church Restoration
This project involved the restoration of a historic wood window at St. Paul’s United Church in Boissevain, Manitoba, focusing on the preservation and faithful replication of a significant architectural feature dating back to the late 19th century.
Project Location
St. Paul’s United Church
Project Year
2026
Project Status
Completed
Brief Project Description
This project involved a highly specialized heritage restoration aimed at preserving and faithfully replicating a deteriorated historic wood window while maintaining its original design, materials, and cultural significance.
The objective was to restore the window using traditional craftsmanship and conservation best practices, ensuring both historical authenticity and long-term structural performance.
Particular focus was placed on retaining original stained and leaded glass elements while reconstructing the wood frame using historically accurate methods and materials.
- Careful dismantling of the deteriorated wood window assembly
- Removal, cataloguing, and safe storage of original stained and leaded glass panels
- Cleaning and conservation of original glass using heritage-approved methods
- Detailed measurement, templating, and documentation of original joinery
- Fabrication of a new wood window frame using period-appropriate materials
- Replication of curved wooden elements using traditional steam bending techniques
- Reconstruction of deteriorated wood components using accurate historical profiles
- Sourcing and installation of replacement stained glass to match original colour and texture
- Reassembly and reintegration into the existing masonry opening
- Application of a traditional multi-coat linseed oil paint system
- Final inspection and performance evaluation
Project Progress
A key challenge in this project was balancing the preservation of fragile historic materials with the need for structural reconstruction.
- Safe removal and preservation of delicate stained and leaded glass panels
- Matching replacement glass to original colour, texture, and translucency
- Replicating curved wooden elements using traditional steam bending techniques
- Reconstructing deteriorated framing while maintaining original geometry
- Ensuring compatibility between new materials and existing historic fabric
- Executing traditional finishing techniques, including a multi-coat linseed oil paint system
- Precisely reinstalling original glass elements without damage
- Retention of original materials wherever possible
- Minimal intervention
- Use of traditional craftsmanship techniques
- Accurate material and finish matching
Outcome / Final Result
The completed project successfully preserved a defining architectural feature of St. Paul’s United Church while improving its structural integrity and long-term durability.
- Preservation and restoration of original stained and leaded glass elements
- Accurate reconstruction of historic wood window framing
- Integration of traditional woodworking and restoration techniques
- Improved performance while maintaining historical authenticity
The result is a highly authentic restoration that reflects both the craftsmanship of the original construction and modern conservation standards, ensuring the continued preservation of this important heritage feature within the community.
Planning a Heritage Restoration Project?
Explore our projects or learn how your property may qualify for heritage funding.