An extraordinary dedication is in the works.

On Sept. 29, the congregation of Old Zionsville United Church of Christ, 5981 Fountain Road, Old Zionsville, will formally dedicate the restored and refurbished stained-glass windows of the historic church, welcoming those who meticulously restored the works of art that are the windows, church members, the wider community and any one interested in the windows to the celebration.

Planning for the windows project started in the teen years of the 21st century.

“The congregation made it a priority,” Rev. Lori Esslinger, pastor, said in an interview earlier this summer.

Esslinger joined church members Ruth Stansfield and Beth Massa as the subcommittee steering the “Windows to the Future” project prompted by concerns about the age and deterioration of the towering stained-glass windows in the church sanctuary.

The small committee met regularly. Preliminary tasks included contacting other churches where similar projects were tackled, meeting with specialists from studios where such restoration is done and familiarizing themselves with the language of such projects.

Of the five studios interviewed, three placed bids, Cumberland Stained Glass, of Mechanicsburg, among the bidders.

Bryan Lerew, owner of Cumberland Stained Glass, was willing to work with the committee and church.

“We worked so well with him,” Stansfield said. “We went with the gold standard. He really knows his business.”

The window project timeline was delineated in three overall phases. The first phase, from 2020-2021, saw the twin windows flanking the organ removed and restored. In the second phase, generally from 2021-2022, the Good Shepherd window and its guardian windows on either side underwent restoration.

Phase three, the Nativity window depicting the Bible story of the birth of Jesus, is now complete.

Throughout the process, the committee kept the congregation updated on the project through presentations at the church, announcements in the church bulletin and through the church newsletter.

Fundraising for the project encompassed a variety of methods including gift challenges and campaigns; note card, potpie and soup sales; a popular baked potato luncheon; donations from other church committees and a “change for the windows” tip jar.

Memorial contributions from families honoring their loved ones also helped grow the fund.

The windows committee members remained focused and deliberate in their spending, contacting Cumberland to begin the next phase only when money enough to pay for the phase in full was available.

“We’re building on the legacy of the windows installed more than 100 years ago,” Stansfield said.

The dedication will celebrate the windows as well as the church and its history.

Two professional musicians who grew up in the church will perform.

Lerew and at least one member of his crew are expected to attend. Neighbors of the church and former and current church members also are expected to arrive. Local dignitaries also may be invited.

“It’s such an accomplishment,” Esslinger said of the project.

And the project sends an important message about the church as well.

“We’re going to be here awhile,” Esslinger said with a smile.

A reception in the church social hall will follow the 3 p.m. dedication event.