Steeple at Portland church gets overhaul

PORTLAND, Maine—The steeple on a nearly
200-year-old Portland church is undergoing its first major
renovation.

Stephen Jenks, president of the First Parish Church's
trustees, says the steeple has deteriorated to the point
where the renovation is necessary. He says the balustrade, a
railing just below the belfry, rotted and was removed late
last year, and other parts of the structure are showing signs
of wear and tear that need to be addressed.

The job includes removing the uppermost part of the steeple,
the belfry, and hauling it to Vermont for repairs.

He tells The Portland Press Herald (http://bit.ly/ydJV8e) the work is
designed to be historically accurate right down to the type
of wood that's used.

Construction on the church was completed in 1826.

The work will cost about $220,000.

Information from: Portland Press Herald, http://www.pressherald.com

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Steeple at Portland church gets overhaul