WAHPETON - Members of Bethel Lutheran Church are tired of wearing sunglasses.

The Classic Glass company of Fargo is creating a 700-square-foot window featuring a religious design to replace the church's current colored glass panels. It will be one of the largest stained glass windows in North Dakota.

The church project is one of many that has spurred growth in the stained-glass business during the past five years, Classic Glass president Tracy Wallach said.

Bethel Lutheran Church members agreed last fall to begin the $100,000 project to replace the sanctuary's main stained glass window.

Some members have worn sunglasses to avoid the glaring sunlight streaming in the window during the evening worship service, church office manager Sandy Bedford said.

"A confirmation class that was held in there after the time change - they could hardly see the pastor," she said.

With a few holes and cracked panels in the 50-year-old glass to deal with as well, the congregation agreed the window needed improvement.

"(We wanted) something that would leave an impression with people and be kind of an inspiration," said Lincoln Thompson of the church's board of property and management.

The church submitted three themes for designer David Hetland of Fargo to choose from: the Good Shepherd, a cross and the fruit of the spirit.

Hetland incorporated all three.

"It's pretty incredible," said Thompson, who has seen a few of the new panels. "It's very impressive, to say the least."

After the design was complete, StudioWorks in Fargo provided the layout and full-scale drawing. The two-month process to build the window then began.

The window consists of three dozen 20-square-foot triangles, each sponsored by a congregation member or family.

Restoring stained glass is a major part of Classic Glass' business, Wallach said. Windows usually must be repaired after about 80 years.

Most of the restoration work is for churches, where stained glass has been popular for centuries.

Window designs in medieval times were used during Bible lessons to offer visualization, Wallach said. They also offer a focal point for the church.

Fargo Lightbenders Glass Studio co-owner Jon Normann said his fascination with stained glass goes back to his childhood days of sitting in church.

Now, with 25 years of experience in the business, he's talking about adding another stained glass class because of the popularity.

Sue Thibedeau of Fargo started taking a class in Normann's studio about five years ago and now spends many Monday nights there working on projects.

"I like the reflection of the light through the glass. I just thought it was something that was a unique thing to do," she said.