Gordon Window Update

Dear All:

Not everyone may be aware that the Gordon Window panels were in jeopardy for awhile. We could not locate the artist who had them, but after repeated phone calls and visits to his home, he finally returned the panels to the church. The panels had obviously set in the fetid waters of the storm and were very dirty. My heart was sick as I remembered had painstakingly the Longs, Wayne, the Mithoffs, Ester and myself had cleaned them with Q-tips and special shampoo! It was also obvious that no work had been done on restoration, even after our initial payment of approximately $1500. With information I had received via a friend from the Attorney General's office, I did not pursue getting our money back for two reasons: 1. Knowing the current status of this artist, I was glad that we were able to retrieve the panels, and we would have a hard time getting money from him. 2. They had been in his possession for so long (at least 4 years), I felt that we owed him rent. Needless to say, I am just happy that the panels are back in the church.

On Wednesday, December 19, 2007 I met with Cindy of Attenhoffer's Stained Glass at the church. She brought with her someone whom she trusted to give us advice on placing the window in the center window on Jefferson Avenue as we had originally planned. After much deliberation between Cindy, Lyn Caliva as chair of Building and Grounds Team, Cindy's masonry friend Brian, and myself, the decision was made not to place the window there because these experts tell me that there is too much danger of damage to the walls and the cost would probably be much more than the funds that we have for this project. I am saddened by this because the window would be much more effective as illuminated by natural light as it was originally. Cindy recommends a thorough cleanning, then building a frame and light box for the window. She was saddened to see the state of the windows, in almost tears, and becried the fact that they were not at least washed off after the storm.

But we must look at the cup as half full and not half empty!! The windows are intact! They can once again be cleaned! And I am very hopeful that we can stabilize the window for protection and display using some of the fine white oark that we saved from the pews for the frame, and if we ever complete our plans for the memorial hall, the window will then be moved to the glasss hallway for all of New Orleans to see. I believe that we can now see the light(box) at the end of the tunnel. Perhaps we will have it ready for our 175th year celebration!!!

If anyone has any questions, please feel free to call me.

Most respectfully,
Mary Jo