Battle Creek Church in Battle Creek, Michigan
Project Overview
Battle Creek Church in Battle Creek, Michigan, approached Denver Stained Glass with an extraordinary vision—to transform a large brick wall behind the altar into what looked like a grand stained glass window. The church wanted a striking, meaningful focal point for the sanctuary, but without altering the original structure of their 100-year-old building.
To bring this idea to life, our team created a stunning LED-backlit stained glass installation that beautifully mimics the effect of natural sunlight filtering through a traditional window. This innovative solution allowed the congregation to experience the warmth, color, and spiritual symbolism of stained glass while overcoming architectural limitations. The result is a radiant centerpiece that enhances worship and brings new life to the historic sanctuary.
Project Details
This custom backlit stained glass installation in Battle Creek, Michigan, was created for a historic church seeking a dramatic centerpiece for its sanctuary. The project featured hand-painted, layered stained glass illuminated by a full LED system, allowing the artwork to glow as though lit by natural sunlight.
From an engineering standpoint, the installation was a major undertaking. The stained glass and custom steel frame weighed more than 1,000 pounds, requiring reinforced support plates and precise mounting to safely distribute the load across the existing brick wall.
Working in collaboration with a religious artist, the church secured permission to reinterpret a beloved oil painting into stained glass. Our artisans carefully translated the piece, incorporating thoughtful lead lines, selecting base glass that matched the original tones, and applying multiple layers of kiln-fired paint to capture the depth, emotion, and detail of the artwork.
The final window measured an impressive 30 feet wide by 17 feet tall—nearly 200 square feet of illuminated glass—creating a breathtaking focal point that brings new life, warmth, and meaning to the century-old sanctuary.
Notable Highlights
What makes this project truly extraordinary is the seamless integration of innovation, faith, and traditional craftsmanship. By pairing modern LED technology with centuries-old stained glass techniques, Denver Stained Glass created a radiant focal point that completely transforms the atmosphere of the sanctuary.
To ensure the installation felt authentically connected to the church’s history, the border design incorporates elements inspired by the original 100-year-old stained glass found throughout the building. This thoughtful detail allows the new window to feel timeless—like it has always been part of the sanctuary.
The finished piece is both visually striking and spiritually powerful, uniting past and present in a single illuminated work of art. It now stands as a glowing centerpiece that enhances worship and reflects the heart of Battle Creek Church.
