Photo: "Building King Solomon's Temple" (right) and "Hewing the Cedars of Lebanon," (below) Scottish Rite Temple, Little Rock, Arkansas, 1952-53

A new project proposes to restore, preserve, and catalogue the stained-glass windows of some 200 Masonic Temples across the nation.

It its October 11, 2002, meeting, the Board of Directors of the Scottish Rite Research Society requested its President follow up on a proposal titled "Windows to Our Heritage." This project would restore, preserve, and catalogue the stained-glass windows of some 200 Masonic Temples across the nation. Many of these historically and artistically significant works represent the finest craftsmanship of America's greatest stained-glass design studios, including Louis Comfort Tiffany.

The firm of Michael Darling & Associates Communications (MDAC) developed the "Windows to Our Heritage" program, which will require extensive fund-raising, and media and promotional efforts, including (1) a photo and stained-glass exhibit, with catalogue, documenting the restoration project; (2) an art book to chronicle the builders and histories of Temples included in the restoration project; (3) a video production on the project to be underwritten and/or produced by a cable network, such as the History Channel, Discovery, or A&E Network; (4) an endowment campaign to underwrite the costs of future restoration, preservation, and maintenance efforts; (5) and a public relations campaign to draw attention to the history of Masonic Temples and their contribution to this nation's civic and architectural heritage.

The first task will require examining and evaluating the state of stained glass in the initial roster of Temples surveyed to determine the order in which projects will be prioritized according to need for repair. The preservation work will utilize stained-glass artisans, whenever possible, from each Temple's community. A national team of recognized stained-glass experts would direct the restoration. When feasible, craftsmen will work out of mobile, trailer-type workshops, specially outfitted to allow much of the stained-glass repair work to be done on site. These studios on wheels could also be used as part of a community outreach effort and as a focal point for providing stained-glass making and preservation demonstration workshops.

For more information about this program as it may relate to the stained glass in your Scottish Rite Temple, write to the address at the head of this article; call 202-232-4039; fax 202-232- 4089; or e-mail mdarlingbox@aol.com.