ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Monday, July 1, 1996                   TAG: 9607010101
SECTION: VIRGINIA                 PAGE: C-4  EDITION: METRO 
DATELINE: LYNCHBURG
SOURCE: Associated Press 

WIND-DAMAGED STEEPLE GETS REPLACED - THREE YEARS LATER

When a crane lifted a 71-foot, 7-ton spire to the top of Court Street Baptist Church last week, it did more than replace a blue tarp covering a hole.

It closed a long, frustrating chapter in the landmark church's history.

``We're just happy that this has come to an end,'' said the Rev. James Coleman, the church's pastor. ``It's been a long road here, but as the hymn writer said, `We've come this far by faith.'''

In June 1993, a severe windstorm damaged the church's steeple and other city landmarks.

After city inspectors said the steeple was unsafe and should be removed, the spire was set on the ground near the church.

While brickwork was being done on the tower that supports the steeple, weather and insects damaged the mostly wooden antique spire.

A dispute that almost resulted in a trial arose between church officials and their insurer, Nationwide, over repair costs.

Nationwide said the church's estimates were too high. Church officials said the insurance company didn't consider the historic significance of the building, which was completed in 1879.

An out-of-court settlement for an undisclosed amount was reached last year, but winter weather delayed completion of the project until now.

Louise Williams, a trustee at the church, said the restored steeple makes the city's downtown horizon complete.

``When we had to take it down, it really left a hole in the skyline of Lynchburg,'' she said.

The new steeple is exactly like the old one, even using some of the original wood, but with a few enhancements. Copper instead of paint covers the new spire, and the mount that holds the steeple was reinforced.

The steeple will be dedicated Oct. 6 at the church's homecoming service, exactly 117 years after builders of the original steeple autographed boards inside the spire.

Taylor Moore, owner of E.T. Moore Manufacturing Co. in Richmond, found the boards when the old spire was disassembled. Moore framed the salvaged boards and presented them to the church.

Church members hope there won't be a plaque made of the new steeple's boards for a long time.

``This is in now to be there for years and years to come,'' said Lewis Diggs, chairman of the board of trustees. ``What you see up there now is totally quality.''

LENGTH: Medium:   56 lines
ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO:  AP. After three years of waiting and fighting with an 
          insurance company, Court Street Baptist Church's steeple was 
          replaced.