Floyd County (The Tribune)
Related Photos
Discussion
St. Mary's steeple in New Albany coming down
Wind damaged 142-year-old structure
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 (The Tribune)
-
-
Bridges Authority adopts strategy as deadline approaches
The Louisville and Southern Indiana Bridges Authority adopted strategic objectives at its public meeting in Jeffersonville on Thursday while rejecting calls to alter the Ohio River Bridges Project to avoid possible tolling.
-
Messer served suspension from New Albany Police Department for running tags for private property owner
New Albany City Councilman and police officer Jack Messer served a one-day suspension from work after an internal investigation showed he violated the department’s policy for revealing information, records obtained by The Tribune this week substantiated.
-
Despite salaries remaining stagnant, New Albany City Council votes down 2011 pay
Aside from the one percent longevity pay increases given to some public safety workers, the salaries requested by the administration for the New Albany City Council to set for 2011 were the same as the past three years.
-
Ex-employee of Sportsdrome charged in beer-theft scheme at track
A Memphis woman has been charged with class D felony theft in an alleged scam to defraud Sportsdrome Speedway in Clarksville out of more than $20,000 in beer sales.
-
$47.5 million in marijuana plants eradicated by ISP
Within about a week, Indiana State Police eradicated approximately 19,000 marijuana plants with an estimated street value of $47.5 million across the state.
-
Moving on: Students, teachers get used to new schools at NA-FC
“You have to get to know people. You have to learn all these new names. It’s kind of scary at first. You don’t know them and they don’t know you.”
-
Zombie flick to be shot in downtown New Albany Sept. 19
The extras will be needed from 2 to 4 p.m. as filming winds down.
-
Burglary suspect leads police on chase
Crotchett said he knows the owner of the house, so he called him to ask if anyone should be there.
-
Straight ‘A’ educator: St. Anthony teacher makes top 10 list
She also wrote about how teaching is more than a career. It’s a vocation.
-
Questions arise over fairness of New Albany’s insurance replacement plan
Officials are hopeful that 75 percent of city workers will sign-up for an HSA plan for 2011 and 85 percent in 2012 as a way to balance the general fund which has been in the negative since 2003.
- More Floyd County (The Tribune) Headlines
-
Bridges Authority adopts strategy as deadline approaches
