Bell Tower Restoration

Donate here to the St. Paul’s Liberty Bell Tower Restoration Fund:

July 2020 Update

As mentioned in our last report, this year’s restoration work went into full swing in mid-May.  After three weeks, the masons were able to complete the tuck pointing of not only the bell tower but also the older sections of the church.  The south side of the bell tower was probably in the worst condition, but as the mortar continues to cure, it is beginning to look like new again.  There were numerous cracks around the perimeter of each of the large, stained glass windows on the south side of the sanctuary – those have all been repaired.  And the stonework at the back of the church (west side) was badly in need of restoration, but the cracks have now been repointed and the expansion joints have been caulked as well.  It should also be noted that the masons have reinforced the supporting structure for one of the purlins in the attic of the sanctuary, using high strength concrete to ensure the stonework will support the loading from the roof.

While the church was being repointed, the carpenters from Vogel were able to remove the existing storm windows and frames from each of the three upper, circular windows on the bell tower.  New wooden frames constructed by Steve Holmes were installed by the carpenters and anchored into the stonework via concrete screws.  We sincerely thank Steve for his truly exceptional work in replicating the framework to match the original construction.  The new frames fit perfectly in the openings.  For now, plywood coverings are being used over the openings until the new storm windows are ready for installation.

Oakbrook Esser reopened their studio on June 1st.  They are slowly transitioning back to a full staff and will need some time to catch up with their workload.  The storm windows for the bell tower are a priority on their agenda and we hope to see the upper windows on the bell tower installed sometime this summer.  Steve Holmes is continuing his work on constructing the framework for the three lower windows of the bell tower, which will be followed by the installation of the storms.

Again, we thank you for your support especially during this challenging time.

The Restoration Committee

May 2020 Update

Greetings!  In a time where much is on hold, the restoration of our bell tower is moving forward!  Again, the bell tower is the most compromised part of our structure and so giving it the attention it needs seems appropriate, even in these uncertain times.  Here is an update of the various phases of restoration currently:

We have contracted with Vogel Brothers carpenters to remove the frames of all of the windows.  This is at an additional expense, but needed to be completed.  The first framing was removed on Wednesday April 22.  We found it to be in much worse shape than anticipated, with all of it rotted.  We also found that it was just sitting in the mortar, no fasteners included!  It amazes us to think about how those first builders created such a masterpiece!  

RD Woods will be coming to the church the first week of May to begin work on the masonry.  This will require a lift and we are hoping the other framing will be taken out while the lift is in use.  Our mason will also do tuck pointing on other parts of the building while he is at the church. 

Steve Holmes is working on the ever changing project of crafting new frames.  He has been in conversation with all the other people involved in this project in hopes this will go as smoothly as possible. 

Oakbrook Esser is currently shut down for the safety of the employees.  We are in contact with them to see if storm windows can be put in until the stained glass restoration can be complete.  We currently do not have a date of their completion because they are not sure when it will be safe for them to work on them.

February 2020 Update

Family Fun Festival, Bell Tower and Restoration

The Council was looking at ways to fundraise. A committee was put together and that committee decided to put together the festival for August 2019. The festival was a success. We were able to pay off the restoration assessment cost and place some toward the actual restoration project.  We would like this to be an annual event and are looking for people interested in serving on the committee. Please let Pastor Holly know if you are interested in being on the committee for 2020.

Details from Festival in August 2019:

Raffle Tickets and Silent Auction brought in $14,200

Other income brought in $9,129 (Food, drinks, 50/50, bean bag toss, loose offering and donations given that week) 

Expenses totaled $5,103

Our net total for the Family Fun Festival was $18,226.40

We also received many large donations before and after the week of the festival specifically dedicated toward Bell Tower and Restoration that were not included in the net amount.  

At the 2019 Annual meeting several people donated monies towards replacing the well.  The RG Huston Company Incorporated replaced our well at the education center as a gift.  The monies given toward that project were transferred to the restoration dedicated account with the exception of one gift which went to purchase the new refrigerator in the church narthex.  

We are blessed by many different donors connected to our congregation.  To date we have $37,550.05 in the Bell Tower Dedicated Account. The donor of the monies dedicated toward the Sanctuary painting contacted us and felt the need for monies in the bell tower were more pressing so has requested that we transfer that money into the Bell Tower Dedicated Account which is reflective in this current number.

To date we have $12,791.40 in our Dedicated Restoration Account after paying our final bill of $690 to Facility Engineering Incorporated for our assessment.  Our final Invoice from Facility Engineering Incorporated was: $13,790.

Motions passed:

Motion made by Randy Behlke to approve Restoration Stages I, II, II and part of IV which were laid out in pages 21-25 of the annual report.  The motion was seconded by Rachel Holmquist. The results to the motion were Yes 39 No 11. Motion was carried.

Phase I.) Restoration of the Bell Tower $60,000

• restoration of six stained glass windows

• repair and/or replacement of window framework and trim

• installation of vented storm windows

• restoration of the stonework
 

Phase II.) Restoration of Church Structure and Exterior Components $110,000  to  $135,000 

• improvement of attic cavity ventilation 

• repair of roof timbers 

• repair and/or replacement of wood cladding and trim 

• restoration of church masonry 

• waterproof basement area

 Phase III.) Restoration of the Church Interior –  Part 1 $60,000  to  $90,000 

• upgrade furnaces, ducts, and control system 

• improve circulation throughout church and bell tower 

• upgrade electrical components

 Phase IV.) Restoration of the Stained Glass  –  Sanctuary a minimum of  $300,000 

• restoration of the eight stained glass windows 

• installation of six vented storm windows 

• repair and/or replacement of window framework and trim  

• restoration of the stained glass light fixtures 

A second part of the Motion is to increase the restoration funding to up to $300,000. The motion was made by Lou Ann Lunda and seconded by Rachel Holmquist. The results of this motion were Yes 45 No 9. Motion was carried. We are in conversation with Mission Investment Fund from the ELCA to draw money as we need it, first as a construction loan, then as a permanent loan.  This is the organization we drew money from when we added on to the church.  A Capital Campaign committee is being formed with Michelle Jensen as the chair of that committee.  Please let Michelle know if you are interested in being a member of the committee.