In 1974 an outstanding stained glass window was installed in a Metairie church, with several Covington area residents involved in the project. Here is the story.
St. Tammany Farmer - November 21, 1974
Covington Resident Installs Unique Stained-glass Window In Metairie
L. A. Charbonnet and his wife have operated Charlers Jewels and Gifts for 11 years in Covington. For the past twenty years Charbonnet has also been the southern representative for the world famous Art Glass Studios of Gabriel Loire whose Studios are located at Leves, France. Charbonnet recently coordinated the installation of a stained glass window in a Metairie Church.
The glass featured there was the heavy chipped and faceted glass for which Loire is world renowned and whose glass graces every country in the world. This glass differs from regular stained glass in that each piece of glass is colored throughout whereas most stained glass is painted, fired, and set between lead unions, Charbonnet explained.
Installation of this glass in St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Metairie was handled by Miley's Glass Company of Covington. Many knowledgeable people who have seen and inspected this work of art consider it one of the most outstanding in the United States.
The project was started over twelve years ago shortly after Charbonnet had installed the pews in the newly erected church. The pastor, Rev. H. C. McKee, was greatly interested in the "concrete-Glass" as the medium was then referred to. Rev. McKee had been developing the theme for the windows since the beginning of construction.
After several meetings and sketches, the final art work for the full twelve windows was completed and with a few minor changes, Loire had captured the ideas and thoughts presented by McKee. The project was then put into production and in 1969 the first half of the total concept was installed in St. Martins.
These first windows were the heavy, thick glass set in concrete. During this period many studios were experimenting with this type of glass. Loire meanwhile was perfecting the use of this same faceted glass but instead of using concrete went into the use of epoxy.
This made for less weight per square foot but primarily permitted the epoxy to be one-half the thickness of concrete. The result was that the faceted glass protruded beyond the thickness of the epoxy and the result was the most brilliant shades and shapes of reflected light possible.
Charbonnet explained that when inside the church the light's strength and intensity changes hourly with the location of the sun and the entire church is filled with flecks of magnificent vibrant color throughout. The church is open to visitors to inspect this work of art.
While this is the largest and finest installation of this glass in this immediate area, he has also installed Loire glass in Broadmoor Methodist in Baton Rouge, St. Joseph Church, Zwolle, and a glass window wall in the architectural offices of Fernand Picou in Thibodaux.
It is intended that a few samples of this type of art will be on display at Charlers during December. Char-bonnet explained that this was his personal property and will not be for sale. He first came to the Covington area in 1946.
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