A new organization has been formed to help preserve, and promote the province’s rich stained glass heritage.

Chair of the NL Historic Stained Glass Initiative, Heather MacLellan says they are receiving provincial funding with a formal launch expected in the spring.

She says they want to create a greater understanding of the historical and artistic value of stained glass windows – most of which is featured in churches.

MacLellan says many pieces came from European stained glass houses, and various denominations would have stained glass from different parts of Europe.

In many cases, she says the windows were funded as memorials and represent people and families who made contributions to the community. “In addition to their artistic value, (they) have this immense historical value because they are telling the story of these people.”