Repairs begin on Watertown church's historic steeple

WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) - Expensive work is underway at Watertown’s First Presbyterian Church.

The steeple, which has has stood as an iconic part of the city’s skyline for more than 150 years, needs repairs.

Analysis concluded the structure has become especially susceptible to wind and water damage, but work is underway to fix that.

“We had two choices. We could take the steeple down or we could restore the steeple. The cost difference was really, believe it or not, much that different,” said Stacey Bristow, church administrator.

Restoration will be a bit of a complex process since the steeple sits roughly 10 stories in the air. Workers on site say they aim to have scaffolding up within the next two weeks with the project itself expected to extend into November

“It will hopefully prolong the facility itself for generations to come and always be a beacon in Watertown,” said Bristow.

The project comes with a $2.6 million price tag, and the church has already managed to pay for half of that through private donations. There’s still a ways to go however, but the church community believes it’s well worth it.

“Anywhere you come in from the countryside from outside of town whether it be Gotham Street or (Interstate) 81, up 81 or wherever, you see our steeple,” said Jonathan White, director of facilities.

The church accepts donations both in person and by mail. Fundraising events are being planned for the near future.