Iconic bell tower, steeple renovation nearly complete at First Presbyterian of Ocala

Jeff Foreman, left, and Pastor Darren Best put a brass plaque containing an inspirational Bible verse on the cross on the steeple at First Presbyterian Church of Ocala on Monday.

OCALA - Six church and construction crew members shared Holy Communion a few steps closer to heaven Monday morning at First Presbyterian Church of Ocala.

The rite was observed at more than eight stories high, with the men standing on scaffolding just after a commemorative plaque was attached to the cross that tops the newly renovated steeple and bell tower.

Do this in remembrance of Me, said Associate Pastor Darren Bess as he distributed blessed bread amongst the men who climbed at least 85 feet to a point just above the base of the inverted copper funnel, a 16 foot section that holds the eight foot cross, which is the highest point on the steeple, estimated at 110 feet by construction officials.

Bess and job superintendent Jeff Foreman, with the general contractor Tallen Construction Company of Ocala, secured the small plaque to the cross about 10 feet above where the group took Communion around 8:45 a.m.

The church, at 511 SE Third St., is about a block southeast of City Hall and adjacent to the Marion County Public Schools Administration Building.

It cost approximately $400,000 to renovate the circa-1927 structure. Church members raised the funds for the project through an endeavor called SOS (Save Our Steeple).

Steve Allen, owner of Tallen Construction, who also made the climb up the scaffolding, said the job is essentially complete.

Van Akin, a church elder and member for at least 50 years, said the job came in under budget.

Akin said the large bell in the tower has been silenced for at least three years because water leaks required a bladder to be installed below it, blocking access.

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Iconic bell tower, steeple renovation nearly complete at First Presbyterian of Ocala