New steeple signifies near-completion of First Presbyterian Church renovation

The installation marked the near-completion of a $40 million renovation and expansion of Tulsa's oldest church.

The crowd broke into cheers, whistles and clapping as the first section of the 10,000-pound steeple touched down, just as the church bells completed the hymn "Lift High the Cross," arranged by music director Ron Pearson.

The second section of the steeple, a spire and a cross, was installed hours later.

In a brief ceremony preceding the installation, the Rev. Jim Miller said church steeples through the ages were often the tallest structures in towns, in the very center of town, calling people to a three-dimensional view of life, and "reminding people of the God in Jesus Christ, highly exalted, author of every blessing, who yearns to be at the center of our lives."

Miller said the steeple "literally points to the cross."

An 8-foot, steel, Celtic cross will adorn the new steeple and the original steeple that remains on the old section of the building at Seventh Street and Boston Avenue.

Bob Pielsticker, the volunteer chairman of the church building committee, thanked the numerous contractors on the project.

"It's a glorious day, and it's been 20 months to get here," he said.

He said the 60,000-square-foot expansion will allow the 2,600-member congregation to meet under one roof.

In recent years, church activities have been split between the 100,000-square-foot original church building and the Bernsen Center across the street.

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New steeple signifies near-completion of First Presbyterian Church renovation