Second Presbyterian Church Restored Tiffany Window

The Chicago church celebrated the return of a historic stained-glass window following a $700,000 restoration effort.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Philanthropy

A close-up view of historic stained glass with floral patterns in ruby, cobalt, and emerald, glowing with natural light. — The Second Presbyterian Church in Chicago completed a $700,000 restoration of its 134-year-old Tiffany stained-glass window in June 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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In June 2026, the Second Presbyterian Church in Chicago completed the restoration of a 134-year-old Tiffany stained-glass window. The effort, funded by Marshall Field V, addressed damage caused by decades of accumulated grime.

Why it matters

The project preserves critical historical art that had become obscured over time. This restoration is part of a larger, ongoing campaign to rehabilitate all twelve of the church's unique windows.

The restored window measures 16 feet by 8.5 feet and contains 12,000 glass pieces with 1,000 jewels. This single project cost $700,000 and required 14 months of work.

The players

Second Presbyterian Church

This historic Chicago house of worship located in the South Loop is known for its significant collection of Tiffany stained-glass windows.

Marshall Field V

He is a prominent philanthropist who provided the financial backing for the church's window restoration campaign.

The details

Workers painstakingly removed and cleaned every one of the 12,000 glass pieces before re-leading the structure and replacing damaged material. The process was essential to reveal the original details of the piece, which was first donated to the church in 1927.

The original window was donated to the church in 1927.
The restoration campaign was officially announced in 2023.
The finished window was returned to the sanctuary in June 2026.
A celebration was held at the church on September 19, 2026.
The church will participate in Open House Chicago on October 17-18, 2026.

Market Landscape

The restoration of these windows reflects a broader trend of private-sector philanthropy directed toward the preservation of historic urban architecture. By investing in these assets, donors like Marshall Field V are ensuring that cultural landmarks remain competitive as major tourist and community draws in Chicago.

Local residents and visitors can view the restored artistry firsthand during the upcoming Open House Chicago event. The project ensures that the church remains a viable, visually preserved anchor for the South Loop neighborhood.

The takeaway

Historic restoration requires significant, sustained capital investment to combat the inevitable effects of age and environmental wear. Readers interested in architectural heritage can support similar local projects by participating in public open house events that highlight conservation work.