A defining feature of  theDelavan United Methodist Church—and one of the community’s most recognizable pieces of 19th‑century craftsmanship—is now undergoing its first major restoration in nearly 150 years. The large stained‑glass window in the church’s nave, an original element installed when this section of the building was dedicated in 1876, was carefully removed this week after routine maintenance revealed structural concerns.

The discovery came during scheduled work on the church’s exterior storm windows. As crews inspected the protective coverings, they noticed that several stained‑glass panels behind them had begun to loosen within their frame. Given the age of the window and the risk of further deterioration, church leaders acted quickly to bring in specialists to assess the situation.

Jacksonville Stained Glass of Jacksonville, Illinois—a firm with decades of experience restoring historic church windows across the Midwest—was contracted to handle the delicate project. Their team arrived early in the week and began the painstaking process of removing the window section by section. Because of its size and age, the window could not be taken out in one piece. Instead, each portion was carefully detached, labeled, and prepared for transport to the company’s restoration studio.

According to the restoration team, the work ahead will focus on releading and reframing the window. Releading involves replacing the lead channels that hold each piece of glass in place, a necessary step when the original lead has weakened over time. Reframing ensures the entire structure will be stable and secure once reinstalled. Both processes are common in the preservation of stained glass from the late 1800s, when craftsmanship was intricate but materials were not designed to last indefinitely.

Church members say the temporary absence of the window has already changed the feel of the nave, where the colorful glass has cast its familiar glow for generations of worshippers. Still, they view the restoration as an important investment in preserving a piece of Delavan’s spiritual and architectural heritage.

The full restoration is expected to take several weeks, though the timeline may shift depending on what the craftsmen find once the window is fully disassembled. When the work is complete, the window will be returned and reinstalled piece by piece, restoring its place as a centerpiece of the church’s interior and a landmark of the community.