Sunday’s wind storm did something that had not been done in 142 years — topple the steeple of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New Albany.
The steeple had a significant lean Sunday following the about 80 mph wind storm that swept through the area. The steeple remained at an angle throughout the night, which forced the closure of Eighth Street.
However, two Padgett cranes were used Monday to begin the process of taking down the steeple in two sections. The tedious process, under the direction of D & M Masonry — a Louisville company which has a history of masonry renovation and steeple repairs — is expected to continue today.
More than 50 church members and other onlookers kept watch with anticipation Monday as many snapped pictures at the once-in-a-lifetime event.
“This is history in the making,” said Sherry Emery, a church member. “That steeple is one of the historic markers in New Albany.”
Despite numerous reports, there was no damage done to the interior of the church. However, the historic structure will be without its steeple for weeks and maybe months. The two sections were going to be stored at Padgett. But plans are for it to be rebuilt and put back in place.
“It’s amazing it stood this long,” said Frank Delbridge, with D & M Masonry. “But everybody I talked to said they want to put it back at all costs. They said it would take away the integrity of the church.”
D & M is in the process of renovating the exterior of the church. The repairs include pressure washing, repairing and repainting the exterior and adding new doors. The stained glass also will be repaired.
The $500,000 price tag included stabilizing the steeple, but that price likely will increase following Sunday’s storm.
“It could have been much worse,” said the Rev. Harry Tully of St. Mary’s. “If it had fallen over, it could have gone through the roof. And at the time, the Hispanic mass was going on, so it could have been really bad.”
Architect Larry Timperman with Michell Timperman and Ritz, said his firm did a study for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis earlier this year, which detailed the problems with the steeple.
“The report stated that a certain mile per hour wind would take it down.” he said. “They were very lucky. God was with them on this one.”
On Monday, two cranes were used — one hooked up to a basket which carried Delbridge and his staff up to the top of the steeple to loosen the two sections in order for the other crane to bring it to the ground.
Floyd County
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St. Mary's steeple in New Albany coming down
Wind damaged 142-year-old structure
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