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By Laura Libert, Curator, The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania

The stained glass window at the front of the Masonic Temple has long been admired for its jewel-like colors and vibrant illustrations of Masonic symbolism. Additionally, the window is also a wonderful example of Philadelphia stained glass. However, few realize that the window seen today is not completely original. The first window was designed by Benjamin H. Shoemaker, whose studio was located at 205-207 North 4th St., Philadelphia, and was installed in 1873 at a cost of $3,443. The window was composed of three sections: the rosette at the top, the central portion, and the bottom portion, which was subdivided into four panels(1). The central portion, which was the largest section of the three, was composed of a myriad of Masonic symbols: Moses on Mount Horeb at the Burning Bush, the brazen pillars of the porch of King Solomon's Temple, six figures representing Wisdom, Strength, Beauty, Faith, Hope, and Charity, and the phrase SIT LUX ET LUX FUIT.

Unfortunately, the beauty of this Masonic "sermon in glass," as it was referred to, was short-lived. On Jan. 24, 1874, a powerful windstorm swept over Philadelphia and destroyed the central portion of the window. The rosette and bottom portion of the window remained intact. Grand Lodge swiftly set about returning the window to its former glory. Shoemaker was called upon again to design the new central section of the window. It was decided not to recreate the original window. Instead, the plan for the new central portion expounded upon one part of the original window's design, Moses and the Burning Bush(2). The new window was installed in April of 1874 for the sum of $1,200. To ensure that such destruction would not happen again, an iron bracketing system was put in place to reinforce the new window.

Over the years, the window has been repaired, re-leaded, and reinforced with additional iron bars. However, the reinforcements could only slow, not stop, the effects of time and gravity on the window. In 2002, it was decided that, in order to ensure the window's existence for another 128 years, drastic measures had to be taken(3). The Willet Stained Glass Studios, Philadelphia, was contracted to remove and restore the window(4). The Willet team extracted and packed every section of the rosette and central portion of the window(5). At their studio, every piece of the window is being systematically examined and documented. The lead, which had turned brittle with age, is being reinforced, and glass that has been cracked by the pressure of the iron bracketing system is being repaired or replaced. Using new innovations in technology, a state-of-the-art reinforcement system will be installed when the window is returned to its home, which is scheduled for October.