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Let in the Light Logo
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Preserving History Through Glass Restoration

Help save the
timeless beauty
of our stained glass windows...
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About the Project

Welcome to the Holy Trinity Stained Glass Restoration Fundraising Website, Let in the Light. Our church, a beacon of faith and community in Johannesburg, has long been adorned with stunning stained glass windows that depict scenes of profound spiritual beauty and inspiration. These windows have stood for generations as a testament to our faith and heritage, bringing light and meaning to all who worship within our walls.

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However, time has taken its toll. The intricate designs and vibrant colours of these historic windows have faded, and some sections have suffered damage due to age and wear. Restoring them to their former glory is not just about preserving art; it’s about honouring our shared faith, history, and the generations who built this sacred space.

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This restoration project seeks to revitalise these treasures, ensuring that their beauty and meaning endure for many years to come. With your help, we can bring light back to our beloved stained glass, preserving their legacy for future generations and continuing to inspire faith in all who enter Holy Trinity.

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Join us in this important mission. Together, through the Let in the Light initiative, we can make our church shine brighter than ever before.

A message from Fr. Russell Pollitt SJ

We are delighted to welcome you to the official site for the Holy Trinity Church Restoration Project. Thank you for taking the time to visit and explore the beauty and significance of our stained glass windows. These sacred works of art, with their intricate designs and vivid colours, are not only a testament to the rich history of our Church but also a source of spiritual inspiration for generations past, present, and future.

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Your interest in this restoration project is deeply appreciated. By considering a donation, you are playing an invaluable role in preserving these extraordinary windows, ensuring that their beauty and the stories they tell continue to inspire all who enter Holy Trinity Church. Their beauty inspires us to live our faith in concrete ways here in Johannesburg by feeding the poor and homeless, taking care of migrants and refugees, being open and welcoming to people who find themselves on the margins of society and the Church in any way.

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The windows also inspire us to ensure that, every week, our liturgical celebrations are done well, that our music, worship, and preaching is good and fitting for the glorious building in which we honour God.

 

Your generosity helps us protect these treasures, allowing their light to shine for generations to come.

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Thank you for your support, and may God bless you abundantly for your kindness and care. Together, we can safeguard the heritage of Holy Trinity Church and ensure its message of hope, faith, and love continues to touch lives for many years to come.

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Preserving the Legacy

Restoring the Stained-glass Windows of Holy Trinity

History of Holy Trinity Church

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Holy Trinity Church has a rich history that began in 1897 when Trappist Monks established the Braamfontein Mission to serve migrant mine workers and the many Catholic Poles and Hollanders working in the area. The first church was built in 1899, just before the outbreak of the Boer War, and the current building was completed and opened in 1938. As a parish of the Archdiocese of Johannesburg, Holy Trinity has been served by the Society of Jesus since 1973, standing as a beacon of faith and service in the heart of Johannesburg.

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The Significance of the Stained Glass Windows

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The stained glass windows of Holy Trinity Church are a remarkable expression of art and faith, transforming the church into a realm of vibrant colour and intricate design. These windows, considered among the finest examples of stained glass art in South Africa, were designed by F.X. Zettler and shipped from the Royal Bavarian Stained Glass Studio in Munich in 1939, just before the outbreak of World War II. Among these masterpieces is the great Rose window, which depicts Our Lady as Queen of the Angels. Brendan Clinch, the architect of Holy Trinity, described it as "a perfect harmony of colour," reflecting the glory of the sanctuary and portraying Our Lady as ever adoring her Son in the tabernacle below.

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The Need for Restoration

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Unfortunately, these beautiful works of art are in dire need of restoration. The stained glass windows are buckling and bowing, with broken and missing panes, while the lead in the Rose window has deteriorated due to exposure to the sun, pollution, and other weather conditions. The restoration process is costly and time-consuming, involving the removal, crating, and transportation of the windows to a studio where they will be documented, conserved, and reassembled. With few skilled stained glass artisans in South Africa, this work will take months to complete, but it is essential to preserve the legacy of these historic artworks.

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Serving the Community​​

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Holy Trinity is not only a place of worship but also a community deeply committed to serving those in need. The church supports the homeless through food, friendship, and solidarity, with a soup kitchen feeding and clothing many people weekly on Monday evenings. Trinity Health Services, a primary health care clinic run in collaboration with volunteer students from WITS Medical School, provides free medical care and medicines to the homeless, supervised by qualified practitioners. Additionally, Holy Trinity offers numerous opportunities for Christian formation and outreach, including lectures, faith programmes, and organisations such as the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Association of Catholic Tertiary Students (ACTS).

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​Appeal for Support

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To preserve its legacy, Holy Trinity is appealing for funds to restore its magnificent stained glass windows. Contributions can be directed to Fr Russell Pollitt SJ at parish@trinityjhb.co.za. As Fr Michael Austin SJ observed, "No one taking time to admire these examples of stained glass art, marvelling at the brilliance of the strong colours and bold designs, can fail to be moved by them. As the artists of old intended, they become the powerful means for our instruction and the moving inspiration for our prayer." To offer financial assistance, contributions can be made via EFT to Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Standard Bank, Account No. 002 294 192, Branch Code 004805, SWIFT Code SBZAZAJ, with "Windows" as the reference.

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Together, we can ensure the restoration and preservation of these extraordinary works of art, allowing their beauty and spiritual significance to inspire generations to come.

A Glimpse Into the Beauty and Mission of Holy Trinity Church

This video offers a look at the stunning stained glass windows of Holy Trinity Church and the vital role our community plays. Beyond preserving these artistic treasures, Holy Trinity serves as a sanctuary of hope, providing care for the homeless through food programmes and free medical clinics, and fostering faith through education and outreach. Your support for this restoration project ensures that both the spiritual beauty of our Church and its work in the community continue to thrive. Together, we can let the light of faith and service shine brighter than ever.

News

Contact Us

Address

16 Stiemens Street

Braamfontein

Johannesburg, 2017

Contact

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Office Hours

Mon - Fri

09h00 - 13h00

Mass Times

Mon - Fri

13h15

​Sunday

07h00 | 09h30 | 16h00 

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