Battle Creek Church in Battle Creek, Michigan, approached Scottish Stained Glass with an extraordinary vision: to transform a large brick wall behind the altar into what appeared to be a grand stained glass window. The church hoped to create a luminous focal point that would add beauty, symbolism, and a sense of sacred presence to the sanctuary—without altering the existing structure. To achieve this, our team designed a stunning LED-backlit stained glass installation that convincingly replicates the effect of natural sunlight filtering through a traditional window. This innovative solution allowed the congregation to experience the timeless warmth and artistry of stained glass while overcoming the architectural constraints of their 100-year-old building.

Location: Battle Creek, Michigan
Type of Project: Custom Backlit Stained Glass Installation
Glass Type: Hand-painted and layered stained glass with LED illumination
Client Type: Historic Church

This installation was both an artistic and engineering accomplishment. The custom stained glass panel and its steel support frame weighed more than 1,000 pounds, requiring reinforced mounting plates and carefully calculated load distribution across the existing wall. Working in collaboration with a religious artist, the church obtained permission to reinterpret a beloved oil painting as stained glass. Our artisans meticulously translated the artwork—developing lead linework, selecting base glass with the right color and texture, and applying multiple layers of kiln-fired paint to capture the original painting’s depth, emotion, and movement. The completed window spans approximately 30 feet wide by 17 feet tall, totaling nearly 200 square feet of brilliantly illuminated glass.

What makes this project truly remarkable is its seamless fusion of innovation, faith, and traditional craftsmanship. By pairing modern LED technology with time-honored stained glass techniques, Scottish Stained Glass created a radiant centerpiece that completely transforms the sanctuary’s atmosphere. The border design draws inspiration from the church’s original 100-year-old stained glass, allowing the new installation to feel authentic and deeply rooted in the church’s history. The result is a visually and spiritually powerful work of art—one that unites past and present while illuminating the heart of worship at Battle Creek Church.