First Lutheran Church 
On restored stained-glass windows

Auther: Anne Pereira, Winnipeg, MB

It’s Sunday morning and light is streaming through the stained-glass windows of First Lutheran Church of Winnipeg. The windows have been part of First Lutheran Church for more than 100 years since the building was consecrated in 1914. The congregation purchased the building in 1921 and has been worshipping there ever since. Founded in 1878, it held services in Icelandic and became a central gathering point for immigrants from Iceland in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Located at the corner of Sargent and Victor, First Lutheran became a fixture in the west end.

Around the corner on Sargent Avenue was the Good Templars’ Hall, where the Icelandic National League of North America was formed and met in 1919. A plaque commemorating this centennial was installed on the front of the church building in 2019 with an unveiling by the president of Iceland. 

The church was also chosen by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada as the location for a plaque commemorating the Winnipeg Falcons Hockey Club. The team was made up almost entirely of Icelandic Canadian players who went on to win the first Olympic gold medal for hockey in 1920. Many on the team were members at First Lutheran Church, with descendants still part of the congregation today. 

For the past 147 years, First Lutheran Church has been a constant in the neighbourhood with strong roots, cultivated by generations of persistent, faithful, and loving people. They continue to care for each other, the community, and the building that has been home for more than 100 years. Many upgrades have happened to the building over the years. In 2024, newly renovated bathrooms were completed, and the elevator was replaced and upgraded. This year a computer lab was created for training and computer skills for newcomers.

The building has been well maintained over the years, but one of the biggest concerns became the stained-glass windows. Despite protective coverings installed in the 1990s, the lead caning that holds the intricate glass pieces in place had deteriorated.

Pastor Michael Kurtz contacted Matthew McMillan at Prairie Studio Glass, a longtime West End business. After evaluating the condition of the windows, it was determined that the south facing window would need to be re-caned. This meant that the window would be removed, and the glass would be taken apart piece by piece and reassembled with new lead. After decades of southern exposure, UV light had caused the most deterioration and damage. The north and east windows had far less damage and were in need of smaller repairs.

Prairie Studio Glass has a reputation for knowledge, craftsmanship, and care when it comes to restoring antique windows. Their expertise would be crucial to refurbish a window of this size and vintage. The restoration of three 10 by 20 foot panels of detailed Gothic arches would be a huge investment.

A lifelong member, Dr. Les Ullyot, had attended Sunday school and youth group as a young man in the 1940s and 50s with all of his Icelandic cousins, aunts, uncles, and of course his Amma and Afi, Gudfinna and Eggert Johnson. When he heard that there was a need for the stained-glass windows to be restored, he was eager to help. Dr. Ullyott had intended to leave a legacy to the church as a bequest, but after conversations with Pastor Michael, he knew he wanted to leave a living legacy. His donation of over $100,000 was exactly what was needed for the rebuilding and protection of the south window. In Dr. Ullyot’s words:

“As I approach my 82nd year, I have been reflecting on how much First Lutheran Church has meant to me – from my earliest memories as a young boy to the present day. The church’s celebration of God, and the spirit of caring, community, and family that I have found here, have carried me through many of life’s experiences – both pains and joys.

“May this gift convey something of what I have gained in this lifetime, in gratitude to the Lord who sustains me and to the church that has sheltered me. I hope that the light streaming through the stained-glass windows – filled with God’s love and grace – will be a gift to the First Lutheran Church community for generations to come.”

The good news was shared with the congregation at worship the following Sunday morning. Pastor Michael made a video call with Dr. Ullyot, who was in hospital at the time. The congregation was overjoyed at the generosity and faithfulness of Dr. Ullyot, who still has family attending the church.

About $17,000 more was needed to refurbish and protect the windows on the north and east side of the building. Inspired by Dr. Ullyot’s example, members were eager to contribute and within a week all funds were secured.

The project is set to start in late summer of 2026. While many churches are struggling to maintain membership and a sense of purpose, First Lutheran Church stands out as an anchor in the neighborhood. The building is home to the Excel Empowerment Centre, a south Sudanese women’s program, which partners with First Lutheran Church. Weekly Harvest Manitoba food banks that serve hundreds of people each month found a home in the parish hall. Next year, the Lutheran Urban Ministry will move into the building, following the closure of Church of the Cross on Arlington.

The church continues to be a vibrant and welcoming site for new generations as well as the descendants of the faithful Icelanders who laid the foundation. The newly restored windows will continue to shelter and shine upon all people who find rest, grace, and peace at the corner of Sargent and Victor.