The Congregational Church steeple was successfully removed on Saturday, July 7!

The steeple came down from the Lunenburg Congregational Church, leaving the normally majestic building temporarily looking a bit forlorn without its crowning glory. It will remain on its temporary resting place between the church and the old town hall until restorations are completed, hopefully by July 2008.

First, Larry Amadon and Tim Betts, two of the men whose volunteer efforts made the project happen, were hoisted up in a metal basket suspended from the crane and disassembled as much of the weathervane as possible.

Next the 10,500 pound steeple was lifted by heavy straps attached to criss-crossed 6 x 12 beams. Brian Clifford of Kingdom Crane in St. Johnsbury completed the operation with great skill. He donated part of his fee, Larry Amadon  paying the rest of the cost.

Inspection of the steeple indicates it is structurally sound, but restoration is likely to entail the replacement of most, or all, of the exterior wood then painting before lifting it into place atop the church. Tim Betts, a local building contractor, along with colleague Henry Lingley have volunteered their services to take charge of the repair and renovation; work will proceed over the next year as they are able to find time in their busy schedules.