The Award
It’s often said that windows are the eyes of a house, offering a glimpse into the heart of spaces that nurture community and meaning. At the Berean Baptist Church in Independence, the windows, which once stood as a testament to the building's history, were in need of restoration. That’s where local historic restoration expert Joseph Sakrisson of Valley Woodworks came in.
In a project funded by Tammy Haywood and the church, Joseph employed a meticulous approach and a deep passion for his craft to restore the church’s windows to their original splendor. Joseph treats these windows as though they are cherished members of the household, emphasizing the unique character they bring to a home. "I think houses being beautiful and having these natural elements—there's a degree of living in them that is vastly different from having a stark, modern house," said Joseph.
In recognition of his dedication and skill, Joseph was honored with the Cairns-Weaver Historic Preservation Award at the city council meeting on August 26, 2024.
We are so excited to share the project here.
This project was a culmination of various skills that Joseph has learned along the way. It was a fun challenge for him to recreate the large arched windows by using wood lamination techniques, learned while building curved handrails for staircases. To see more images of the entire process visit Historic Church Window Restoration.