Restoring a steeple in Mystic

MYSTIC, Conn. (WTNH) --  Over the years storms have taken a heavy toll on a landmark in Mystic, but now an effort is underway to restore the steeple at the Union Baptist Church back to its original glory.

It's an icon in the shoreline town: a landmark helping define the skyline of downtown Mystic.

"Is it nice to look up and see that there," asked News 8's Tina Detelj.

"Particularly toward evening when you have the dark sky and the steeple is lit up," said Tom Aalund, TradeWinds Gallery, "it's a very effective scene."

Most who look up toward Union Baptist Church aren't aware its steeple is in need of repair, but News 8 went inside where you can see the toll the weather and its years by the sea have taken.

"There's plywood knee boarding that has come undone and the steeple itself is made of fiberglass pieces that are button together," said Rev. Stacy Emerson, Union Baptist Church, "and so the bolts have come loose to leave gaps."

Water is getting in and has even started leaking through the sanctuary ceiling. They want repairs started this Spring.

"To make sure our ceiling stays, has its integrity, and that sort of thing," said Rev. Emerson, "so it's an urgent problem for us."

The original steeple blew off during the Hurricane of 1938. This one replaced it 31 years later.

When the steeple was rebuilt in 1969 the steel frame was added and it goes all the way down into the bedrock. So the steeple isn't going anywhere, but you can't necessarily say the same for the fiberglass panels.

"We get letters, notes from people all the time, about our steeple, about our bells, and that sort of thing," said Rev. Emerson, "appreciating the sacred spot that's on top of the hill."

Rev. Emerson is hoping that appreciation turns into support for the $50,000 needed to keep the bells ringing.