sheepshead-church-2-2011.jpgToday The Eagle points to a Courier Life article that says the steeples on Sheepshead Bay’s 142-year-old United Methodist Church will not be demolished. The church’s pastor says the congregation brought in a new contractor who presented an affordable plan for preserving the steeples. The news follows previous reports that said the structures were a safety hazard and the congregation didn’t have enough money to keep them intact. The Courier Life story also notes that the renovation will be the first the church has seen in more than 85 years.
Steeples Saved! [Courier Life]
Historic Sheepshead Bay Church To Save Its Leaning Steeples [Eagle]
Steeple Demolition Uncontroversial in Sheepshead [Brownstoner]
Here is the Church, and There Go the Steeples [Brownstoner] GMAP
Photo by wallyg.


What's Your Take? Leave a Comment

  1. In the older thread it seemed that some people thought the saving the steeples without putting an incredible burden on the congregation was not even possible. I am happy about the outcome and I personally think it actually backs up the position that demolition was NOT the only option, as it was presented at the time by some. Also, some informed opinions (not mine) stated that the cost estimate was too high and I guess that turned out to be true.

  2. In order to safely dismantle the steeples without damaging the church or killing the workmen, they would need to be stabilized first. So once they are stabilized, why not just leave them? It’s not rocket science. The crucial ingredient is to want to keep them. That is what I found totally lacking in the pastor’s attitude. And indeed, the matter was resolved by the congregation. perhaps our online conversation here motivated them. Who knows?