NEW ALBANY, Ind. (AP) - Organizers are hoping to raise $150,000 in order to give a southern Indiana church a steeple replicating one that was a sign of freedom to fugitive slaves during the Civil War.
Crews this month replaced windows and worked on the exterior of the Town Clock Church in New Albany after a new clock face was installed last year on the 1850s-era church, the News and Tribune reported (https://bit.ly/1pAv4Sl ).
Members of the Friends of the Town Clock Church are proud of the repair work done so far on the building in the Ohio River city’s downtown area, said Irv Stumler, chairman of the group’s restoration committee.
Local historians believe the 150-foot steeple was a guide for slaves who sought refuge at the church after they fled across the river from Louisville, Kentucky.
“It’s important to bring this building back to its original form,” Stumler said. “Town Clock Church represents hope and freedom, and it needs to be preserved for future generations.”
The church was built by an abolitionist Presbyterian congregation and is now used by the Second Baptist Church, which has a predominantly black membership.
The most recent steeple was built after the original one was hit by lighting in 1914, but removed because of its deteriorated condition.
The group has raised about $233,000 for previous restoration work, including $75,000 from the New Albany City Council.
Jerry Finn, an organizer of the refurbishment project, said he’s confident the group can raise the money needed.
“To be able to raise that much money on a project like this - yes, I’m very happy about that,” he said.
Stumler said the church’s small congregation has been diligent in aiding Friends of the Town Clock Church with the improvements and raised $11,000 at the onset of the project.
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Information from: News and Tribune, Jeffersonville, Ind., https://www.newsandtribune.com
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