Published: November 28, 2008 10:38 pm      

Historic church bell tower restoration project planned

CLINTON — Members of Community Congregational Church UCC in the Lyons District are making a push to save their historic bell tower with a restoration project fundraiser to start Jan. 1.

The tower, built in 1906 and designed by Clinton architect John A. Morrell, houses the church’s original bell dating from 1871.

Due to the effects of the elements, the bell tower has seen serious deterioration. Gothic-style limestone columns at the top of the tower’s concrete work have begun to deteriorate to a point where pieces have fallen off.

According to pastor Daniel Schadt, caulking between the tower’s terracotta pieces has begun to crumble, also causing pieces to drop off.

“Some of the ornate water spouts have broken off,” stated Schadt. “And cracks are developing in the upper supports.”

Chad Baker, committee chairman for the restoration project, stated that the limestone columns would be replaced by a synthetic material designed to look like the original columns.

From Jan. 1 to March 31, the church will be working to raise $50,000, which will be matched by Curtis Priem. Priem lived in the church parsonage from 1964 to 1968 while his father was the pastor of the church.

He is also a co-founder of the computer graphics company, NVIDIA.

The church building is currently in the process of being submitted as a candidate to the National Register of Historic Places.

“If the tower is not restored it will not be allowed on the historical register,” stated Baker. “The National Register of Historic Places requires that all sites be in their original appearance.”

Church members are hoping the historical significance of the tower will move community members to help raise funds.

“We know that there are people who have an interest in restoring historical buildings,” said Schadt. He is hoping that the historical and sentimental value of the bell tower will appeal to those in the community.

“It is my concern that the historical value lends to the emotional value,” stated Baker. “The church is a symbol in this neighborhood. It is a community-friendly place.”

The bell, which is rung every Sunday and on special occasions, serves as a reminder for Baker, “When the bell was rung, if you weren’t in church, you knew where you were supposed to be.”

To assist in raising funds, the church will be mailing out 300 official letters to members and friends of the church. The youth group will also be passing out fliers and will host a pie and cookie sale.

Funds from the church’s annual cookie walk, to be held on Dec. 6 from 8 to 11 a.m., will go toward the project.

“We would like the community to be involved and not just the members,” said Baker. “This church is a symbol of Lyons and historic to this area.”