Custom Statues and Metal Refinishing

Serving the Faithful of Wheeling, WV: Premier Church Restoration and Supply

For over five decades, A.T. Merhaut, Inc Church Restoration & Supply has stood as a beacon of quality and tradition in the religious goods industry. Established in 1969, our family-owned and operated business has dedicated itself to preserving the sanctity and beauty of worship spaces throughout the region. While our roots are in Allison Park, PA, our commitment extends deeply into the historic and vibrant religious communities of West Virginia. We are proud to bring our full suite of services to clergy, parish administrators, and the faithful in Wheeling, providing everything from daily liturgical supplies to expert restoration of century-old artifacts.

Wheeling is a city rich in history, with a skyline punctuated by steeples that tell the story of generations of faith. We understand that maintaining these sacred spaces requires more than just a catalog of products; it requires a partner who understands the delicate nature of ecclesiastical art and the liturgical necessities of the modern parish. Whether you are looking to restore a weathered tabernacle or stock the sacristy for the upcoming liturgical season, A.T. Merhaut offers a blend of old-world craftsmanship and modern convenience tailored to the needs of Wheeling’s diverse religious institutions.

Expert Metal Refinishing in Wheeling, WV

One of the most critical aspects of maintaining the dignity of a worship space is ensuring that the altarware and metal fixtures retain their brilliance. Over time, even the highest quality bronze, brass, and gold-plated items can succumb to tarnish, corrosion, and structural wear. This is where our specialized expertise becomes invaluable. We provide top-tier metal refinishing in Wheeling, WV, ensuring that your most sacred objects are treated with the reverence they deserve.

Our team of skilled artisans approaches every project with a restoration mindset. We do not simply polish and return; we assess the historical integrity of the piece. For churches in Wheeling, which often house artifacts dating back to the turn of the 20th century, this sensitivity is paramount. We handle everything from chalices and patens to massive altar candlesticks and processional crosses. The process involves a meticulous examination of the base metal, careful removal of old lacquers and oxidation, and the application of new, durable plating or polishing that respects the original design.

When searching for metal refinishing in Wheeling, WV, it is essential to choose a provider who understands the difference between industrial plating and liturgical restoration. Industrial methods can often be too harsh, stripping away delicate engravings or altering the patina that gives an item its character. Our methods are specifically developed for religious artifacts. We utilize high-quality, gentle materials that effectively remove years of grime while preserving the underlying craftsmanship.

The Refinishing Process and Preservation

The longevity of your sacred items is our priority. Our restoration process is comprehensive, designed to extend the life of your metalware for future generations. When you work with us for metal refinishing in Wheeling, WV, we follow a strict protocol to ensure excellence:

Assessment and Documentation: We begin by documenting the current condition of the item, noting any structural repairs needed, such as loose stems on chalices or bent arms on candelabras.

Stripping and Cleaning: Using specialized chemical baths and ultrasonic cleaning, we remove old lacquer, wax residue, and tarnish without damaging the metal substrate.

Repair and fabrication: If a piece is missing a component or has suffered structural damage, our craftsmen can often fabricate replacement parts or repair the damage to restore structural integrity.

Polishing and Plating: Depending on the original finish, we polish the metal to a mirror shine or apply new gold or silver plating to meet liturgical standards.

Protective Coating: Finally, a high-grade, baked-on lacquer is applied to prevent future tarnish and protect the finish from the oils in human hands.

This level of detail is why so many parishes choose us for metal refinishing in Wheeling, WV. We believe that the vessels used in the liturgy should reflect the glory of the mysteries they celebrate. By restoring these items, we help your parish maintain a connection to its past while preparing for its future.

Custom Statuary and Statue Restoration Services

Beyond metalware, the visual atmosphere of a church is heavily defined by its statuary. A.T. Merhaut is renowned for our capabilities in both creating custom religious statues and restoring existing ones.

Our restoration artists are masters of color matching and structural repair. We carefully fill cracks, rebuild missing appendages, and repaint statues using traditional ecclesiastical color palettes or custom schemes requested by the parish. We have worked on everything from small, private devotional shrines to life-sized Stations of the Cross. For churches in Wheeling looking to revitalize their sanctuary, our restoration services offer a cost-effective alternative to purchasing new statuary, allowing you to preserve the specific icons that your congregation has prayed before for decades.

Comprehensive Church Supplies and Religious Goods

While restoration is a pillar of our business, A.T. Merhaut is also a full-service supplier of daily church necessities. We understand that the logistical needs of running a parish are constant. We aim to be the reliable resource for metal refinishing in Wheeling, WV, as well as the go-to source for the consumables that keep the liturgy moving smoothly.

Our inventory includes a vast selection of goods from the industry's most trusted brands, including Cathedral Candle, CM Almy, and Abbey Brand. We recognize that every parish has different preferences and budgets, which is why we stock a wide variety of options.

Our General Supply Offerings Include:

Altar Essentials: Altar breads, sacramental wines, incense, and charcoal.

Candles: Beeswax altar candles, sanctuary lights, votives, and Paschal candles.

Clergy Apparel: Vestments, albs, clergy shirts, and cassocks.

Linens and Textiles: Altar cloths, purificators, corporals, and palls.

Liturgical Books: Roman Missals, Lectionaries, and Rites books.

We offer shipping directly to Wheeling, ensuring that your supplies arrive safely and on time. Furthermore, for larger orders or specific seasonal needs, our team is always available to consult and assist with planning. We pride ourselves on personalized customer service; when you call us, you are speaking with experts who understand the liturgical calendar and the specific requirements of the church.

Religious Art Restoration and Preservation

We treat art restoration as a conservation effort. Our specialists carefully clean surfaces, repair tears in canvas, and stabilize flaking paint. This service complements our metal refinishing in Wheeling, WV, providing a holistic approach to sanctuary beautification. Just as a tarnished chalice can distract from the liturgy, a darkened or damaged painting can detract from the inspirational environment of the church.

Why Wheeling Parishes Choose A.T. Merhaut

Choosing a vendor for church goods and restoration is a decision based on trust. You are entrusting us with items that hold immense spiritual and financial value. We have built our reputation on transparency, quality, and a genuine respect for the Church.

One of the distinct advantages we offer to our Wheeling clients is our "Price Match Guarantee." We understand that stewardship of parish funds is a serious responsibility. If you find a lower price on comparable restoration services or supplies, we will match it. This ensures that you do not have to choose between quality and affordability. You can have the best metal refinishing in Wheeling, WV, at a competitive rate.

Contact us today to discuss your needs, request a quote, or simply to learn more about how we can serve your parish. We look forward to becoming your trusted partner in maintaining the sacred heritage of Wheeling.