Church sets sights on historic steeple repairs

HURON — Over time, the harsh effects of Ohio weather and wildlife have been slowly damaging the steeple of the Huron Presbyterian Church on Williams Street. "Wind, rain and snow have worn down barriers to moisture on the interior of the steeple," church Pastor Sara Hodsden said. "Birds have made the steeple their home, resulting in debris that has damaged the steeple and caused some leakage into our building." Now the church's community is working to restore this familiar sight, which stands 110 feet tall, preventing further damage to an important part of Huron's skyline. Work began earlier this month on the steeple, a tall tower that houses a church bell and points upward, toward heaven. Tasks consist of restoring both the steeple's interior and exterior portions. It's quite an undertaking, considering this is the church's original steeple, constructed when the building was erected in 1853. "We will replace some of the wooden siding and paint it," Hodsden said. "The bell and bell assembly will also be cleaned and restored. Continued moisture and bird intrusion would weaken the interior framework supporting the steeple and could cause a collapse." The church has served the Huron community for nearly 190 years, and its historic steeple is known as a familiar landmark. Steeples have great significance in history, as they serve to remind others to direct their thoughts to God and call people together for important purposes, Hodsden said. But the steeple in Huron holds further significance. "For many sailors, the sight of the steeple as they voyaged on Lake Erie was a sign they were nearing their port," she said. "Many sailors today still see our steeple as a sign of comfort, giving them a sense that they are near home." The congregation has established a fundraising campaign, Standing Faithful, Standing Tall, to fund this $140,000 project. For now, the church is funding this project but seeks donations to offset its own contributions. People can donate by: • Sending a check to the church, mailed to 225 Williams St., Huron, OH 44839 • Visiting fpchuron.churchtrac.com/give/150 The church hopes that, by mid-September, this steeple — one of Huron's most significant community symbols — will be completely restored. People can receive updates by visiting facebook.com/fpchuron.