First Presbyterian Church at 115 West Front St. is one of many historic buildings in Buchanan. Unfortunately, after 80 years of service, the bell tower of the church has deteriorated to the point that it must be taken down and rebuilt.
Clerk of Session Dave Coulston, reported, “For many years we have been dealing with water damage in the sanctuary and entryway due to structural problems with the existing bell tower. We have had engineers and architects check the structure and they have recommended that the bell tower be torn down and that a new structure be built.”
Because of the historic nature of the church, the tower will be replaced with a structure that will look as identical to the current structure as possible with the addition of a Celtic cross. At the same time, the church will incorporate recommended design changes and make use of modern building technologies in order to mitigate the problems that have plagued the current structure. Once the new bell tower is in place, the church will repair the water damage on the walls and ceiling of the sanctuary and entryway. Work will commence in the spring of 2012 as soon as the weather permits.
“Our church is truly a church for the entire community,” elder Mary Aalfs said. “Our building is used by many groups from the Friends of the Cemetery and Girl Scouts to the book club and a line dancing class. I can’t keep track of how many groups meet here and that’s how it ought to be. We are proud to be a visible sign of God’s love in this community and plan to continue being just that for many years.”
The cost of the project is $120,000, and anyone interested in making a donation should mail his or her contribution to First Presbyterian Church Bell Tower Project, 115 West Front St., Buchanan, MI 49107.
The church is also hosting a variety of fundraising events and projects.