After nearly two months of anticipation, Baldwinsville’s First United Methodist Church now has its steeple.
While the original First Methodist Church was erected in 1844 and stood on Oswego Street near the Presbyterian Church, the current building was built and dedicated in 1870. Designed by the noted architect Horatio Nelson White, the building included a steeple. However, in 1968, the steeple was removed due to structural damage.
For 44 years, the church has gone without one due to financial constraints. However, that changed this past year when several donors generously allowed the congregation to purchase and erect a new steeple, which costs an estimated $68,000.
“People are very appreciative there are donors that enabled us to do something we couldn’t have otherwise,” said Rev. Larry Lundgren, who added there was always a feeling that the church was lacking something.
A crane was brought in earlier this fall to erect the steeple, which came in several pieces from Texas. However, one of the pieces was too large and had to be sent back. There was a fear that the crew would be unable to finish the project before spring, especially considering the weather Central New York typically receives this time of year. However, since the snow held off, the crane was back on site this past Friday and Monday to finish the job.
“It feels great to have the steeple up before Christmas,” said Chuck Brooks, the project coordinator. “Everyone has been looking forward to it.”
