The renovation of the former Union Baptist Church, located at the intersection of East Liberty and Highland Park, is the brainchild of the Union Project. This Pittsburgh based, non-profit organization is comprised of a group of young individuals with a common interest in the arts, community and faith. The goal of the Union Project is to turn the historic building into a gathering and working space for other artists, community builders and people of faith in the area and surrounding neighborhoods.

The community has truly embraced and pursued the renovation of the former church, but not without its share of challenges. One of the first major obstacles that UP's Executive Director Jessica King and Associate Director Justin Rothshank faced was how to refurbish the 135 stained and leaded glass windows in the building. The problem was two-fold: UP did not have the monies needed for the estimated million dollar window repair work, nor did they have the knowledge or expertise to repair the windows without losing the character and tradition they once held.

All along, the Union Project has tried to find creative solutions to renovating this historic building and forming the organization necessary to complete the work successfully. From engaging volunteers in an "urban barn-raising" concept to training young first-time board members in the ins and outs of nonprofit management, the organization has always tried to find approaches to challenges that combine meaningful, pragmatic work with hands-on learning. It was in that spirit that the solution to the stained glass problem was found.

Through their contacts, Union Project came across a person who would prove pivotal in pulling the entire project together, local stained glass artist Catherine Berard. It was at a UP community meeting that Berard expressed her interest in making the project's idea a reality. Berard offered to teach classes to the general public on the craft of stained glass renovation. Each student would learn how to restore dilapidated stained and leaded glass windows…all provided by the church, of course. And, to relieve costs to the organization, the class fees generated from the students would pay for supplies needed to execute the project.

With input from the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts and the Pittsburgh Glass Center, UP and Berard were able to come up with a cost structure and a class size needed to effectively restore the existing windows. Furthermore, the board was also introduced to a friend of Berard, Sasa Dizdarevic, who would assist with the removal of old windows, reinstalling the restored windows, and preparing and installing plate glass and aluminum storm frames to protect all the new windows from vandalism and weather damage.

The ingenuity of the project did not come without skepticism and doubt. The staggering question of how to raise interest, and the exorbitant funds needed to fix the windows, seemed impossible. However, faith and persistence paid off. It turned out hundreds of people showed interest in both the cause and the class. In fact, the initial classes were so successful and popular that Berard had to offer additional sessions to satisfy all of those interested. The rewards of this project, although still being reaped, are most evident in the sincerity of one teacher and volunteer.

"The Union Project is a worthy mission and I feel very fortunate to be part of making it a reality," said Berard.

Thanks to the dedication of the UP Board of Directors, King and Rothshank, Berard and her students, and thousands of volunteer hours, the Union Project recently celebrated a task some thought could never be accomplished: the completion and reinstallation of the first 60 windows inside the Union Project.

"This is a way to connect with the community, create something beautiful and celebrate the collaboration of the two," exclaimed King.

As the Union Project continues to move forward with its achievements, it has become increasingly evident that the vital work of becoming a community results from the involvement of leaders from churches, neighborhood groups, community development corporations, art organizations and local schools. The

UP Board of Directors volunteer their time at monthly board meetings and regular committee meetings, as well as, contributing at least one day a year of hands-on labor beside other volunteers at the Union Project building. Their goal is to develop into a group that accurately reflects the diversity embodied by the many neighborhoods surrounding the Union Project. They are continuously searching for qualified individuals to help the project move forward and to increase occupational, religious and racial diversity. With a sincere belief in who they are and what they are about, Union Project board members pledge to give one percent of their annual income towards helping make the organization as successful as it can be.

Without the group effort of the community volunteers within the city of Pittsburgh, the various contributions from numerous sources, and the steadfast leadership of the Union Project Board of Directors, this project would not be what it is today. There is still a long road ahead for all involved, but it is one eagerly ventured in efforts to reach the final destination.

If you would like to be involved in this worthy project, restoration classes will continue to be offered throughout the year. The class schedule and other registration information is available at www.unionproject.org/Stained_Glass/Register

To learn more about the Union Project and how you can donate your time or make a donation to this worthy cause for the community, call Jessica King at 412.363.4550.

You too can Connect, Create and Celebrate!