Trinity Episcopal Church

The small hamlet of Staunton is 110 miles northwest of Richmond, the capital of Virginia. It is known as an independent city, a town that operates as its own governmental constituent, and the birthplace of Woodward Wilson, (1856–1924) the 28th President of the United States. It is also home to the Trinity Episcopal Church, which contains a number of stained-glass windows, of which several were created by the esteemed business of Tiffany glass designers.

This house of worship was originally founded in 1724, with the current structure being constructed in 1855, making this the oldest church in town. Within its confines are a number of decorated glass windows, of which at least twelve were created by the studios of Louis Comfort Tiffany of New York. By the end of the 19th century the company was the largest producer of stained-glass windows in the nation.

The Tiffany windows are referred to as opalescent windows. These differ from more traditional medieval-style European glass and the brightly stenciled colored American-style windows. Certain panes contain a translucent glass color in the manner of a gemstone. Depending on how the source of light is reflected, this will illuminate like an opal or other precious jewel. Tiffany windows are well known for their rich array of colors and patterns, which are arranged in such a way as to simulate layers of sculpted glass.