Stained Glass Windows

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For centuries churches have showcased Christ, Mary and the Saints in stained glass windows.  Statues, paintings and stained glass has been used to teach and share the Gospel to millions of generally illiterate people throughout the ages.  The life of Christ comes alive in the stained glass windows at St. Margaret Mary.   Here is a brief version of the story:

One day after mass a long standing parishioner, Mary Wilke, commented that “having stained glass doors behind the altar would look much better than the curtains that had been used for many years.” After some discussion, our Pastor, Father Andy Latsko, turned the “Stained Glass Project over to Mary Wilke and Julie Howachyn.  

Stained glass artist Rich Leech moved to the area in 1997.  He graduated from Armstrong State University in Savannah in 1986 with a degree in art and historical archeology, and he worked in printmaking for 20 years  before deciding that he really did enjoy stained glass art.   Mr. Leech was having trouble finding a job so he talked to Father Latsko, who suggested he join the stained glass committee of St. Margaret Mary.  It took him a couple of meetings with the committee before Mr.

Leech knew that Mary and Julie wanted him to turn in a bid for the stained glass project.

To raise money for the project the parish had many ice cream socials,  sales of items made by the Heart and Hand Crafters group,  bake sales, 50/50 drawings, and a chili tasting festival  The parish really wanted to see this project completed and many dedicated parishioners worked very hard giving

their time, talent and treasures to make it happen.

 Eventually the project produced 25 beautiful windows and was completed in May of 2002.  The windows in the nave tell the story of the life of Christ through the Mysteries that are meditated upon during the prayer of the Holy Rosary.