The Church of Saint Mark

The Church of Saint Mark has a rich history. In 1897, the congregation was displaced by the construction of the Williamsburg Bridge, leading to its relocation to its current site in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, endearingly known as the "cathedral on the hill." The tower was built in 1897 and the cornerstone of the current building was laid in 1937. This church holds the distinction of being the first of its kind in the neighborhood.

Our restoration project aimed to address the severe deterioration of the terra cotta tracery at the main window. The existing safety glass on the exterior was removed to allow for the careful restoration work to commence. The delicate process involved the fabrication of new cast stone tracery, replicating the appearance of the original terra cotta. The newly restored tracery was then installed within the arched opening, supported with new stainless steel reinforcement for enhanced durability and stability.

Preserving the historical integrity of the church's stained glass windows was of paramount importance. To achieve this, all of the original leaded glass was carefully and methodically removed, documented, and cleaned. The re-leaded glass was then installed within the new cast stone tracery, using new lead cames and weatherproof putty. Additionally, new exterior safety glazing was incorporated to provide protection against potential damage and ensure the longevity of the restored leaded glass.