NORFOLK, Conn. — Just steps from the town green, The Church of Christ Congregational, a fixture in the center of Norfolk has been missing its centerpiece for more than three years.
That all changed on Thursday.
After an intricate planning and preservation project, the steeple, which dates to the original church built in 1813 is now back on top of the church.
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"It had to come down because the wood was so compromised and the pillars that support it – it’s a 210-year-old building," Pastor, Erick Olsen, who has been at the church for 20 years said.
The restoration work on the steeple was extensive and under the direction of Valley Restoration based in Torrington, the plan to raise the steeple again was put in place.
Dozens of people showed up to watch the team from Valley Restoration raise the 17,000 steeple via a crane to its familiar perch – 125 feet high.
“It took a lot of individual donations and grants – the state of Connecticut came in with a big historic preservation (grant) and that’s what this is all about -- historic preservation," said Marie Sivco, who serves on the church steeple committee.
Pastor Olsen added that now the steeple is in place there is more work ahead for the restoration team.
“They’re going to wrap it and seal it and heat it so the actual restoration work will be done in place and on-site,” he said.
Olsen noted that the steeple should be ready for a public unveiling and be restored to its original grandeur by sometime in the Spring.
"No matter what direction you come from, the spire historically has been what you see when you come into the village, it’s a beacon," said Olsen.
Learn more about the Church of Christ Steeple here.
Jimmy Altman is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at jaltman@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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