By Catherine M. Welch
Wilmington, NC – Scaffolding is going up around the First Presbyterian sanctuary and steeple, for repair work to save this historic piece of the Wilmington skyline.
Eighty years of wind and rain have damaged the concrete masonry and decorative towers flanking the steeple.
First Presbyterian Pastor Ernie Thompson says it took a year to diagnose the problem and find the engineers to fix the sanctuary facade and 166-foot tall steeple. He says repairs will take about six months, and will bring back the church's original look.
" It's been not only weakened, but discolored and some of the pieces of the decorative things have fallen off. So it will be exactly like it was 80 years ago, except much stronger."
Thompson says the congregation sees this work as more than fixing a building.
"We do hear that it is a part of Wilmington, and for many people even if they don't worship here they still have a sense that points to God and they appreciate the presence of the church here in the community."
Work to First Presbyterian's sanctuary and steeple will cost $3.1 million, and is scheduled to be done by the start of hurricane season.
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