Steeple Renovation FAQ

  • What happens if we don’t address the leaking water? How bad are the leaks?

    • We will have severe damage to our church building, including the newly refurbished organ.
    • There is potential for structural damage from wet wood if the project is not completed.

  • What is all being replaced as part of the project?

    • All of the “green” copper from the top of the bricks to the bottom of the slate shingles.
    • Additionally, while the scaffolding is up, the clock faces will be refurbished. The water drainage within the steeples also needs to be reworked.
    • The gold steeples at the top will not be refinished at this time due to additional equipment needed to reach them. This will be a future stand-alone project, however this might be completed if additional funding is generated.

  • What will the finished steeples look like?

    The structural look will be very similar, however the color will be different due to the way copper changes color as it ages - It will start as a dark bronze color and change and then green over time

  • What church service disruptions should we expect for funerals, weddings, first communion, or special events?

    We expect taking outdoor photos to be a challenge since scaffolding will be blocking some of the building from the fall of 2025 and could continue into the summer of 2026.

  • What other significant projects should we expect in the next few years?

    The front church steps, the North handicap ramp and concrete steps need to be replaced, adding a church protective security system, and the rectory roof.

  • What happens if we don’t get enough money donated or if there are cost overruns?

    The parish might need to borrow the money, attempt another fundraiser, or put off other

    capital projects.

  • What happens if you collect more than is needed for this project?

    As in the past, if we collect more than we need for this project, the funds could be used for the gold crosses or will be transferred for use on the other significant St. Augustine projects.

  • Who is the contractor and how were they chosen?

    Wellman Brothers out of Coldwater. They have worked on our steeples since the 1950’s and are one of the most respected in this field. The Archdiocese has approved them for the project.

  • Is there a less expensive material to replace the copper? Can we re-use the existing copper? Have we researched other options?

    Wellman Brothers recommends copper only due to it's durability. In addition copper is

    malleable to allow for current design of the steeples to be closely replicated. Additionally, copper is easy to solder where other materials are not.

  • What is the value of the copper and will we be reimbursed?

    Roughly $1-$3 per pound (as of 01/2025),

    however the scrap value of the copper will be

    retained by Wellman to offset the costs of the project.


  • How long will the project take?

    Start Summer of 2025 and complete Summer of 2026.

  • Are there other issues that should be addressed at th e same time? (paint shutters, new carillon, roofing, etc)?

    Until the project is started, the extent of wood damage behind the existing copper is

    unknown. Depending on the leak damages, there could be a need to replace some structural wood components

  • Is there any warranty on the replacement? How long should the repairs last?

    There will be a 3 year warranty, however the restoration should last many decades (perhaps 50 -75 years). The last major restoration was done in 1939.

  • Why is a Capital Campaign needed when the Finance Committee has $1.4 million?

    The current list of Capital Improvement projects that require funding is $1.6 million

  • How much is the St. Augustine Finance Committee contributing to the steeple restoration?

    250,000, which allows for additional capital projects identified.

  • When were the steeples erected?


    In 1874 by parishioner master builder Johann Anton Goehr Steeples moved from east side

    to the west side.

  • How long has it been since they’ve been reworked?

    Estimated 40+ years. The Pilgrim’s All book shows that the copper was replaced in 1939

    and there aren’t any more recent notes.

  • How tall are the twin towers?

    190 feet, though the scaffolding to be used only reaches 125 feet. This is part of the reason that the crosses would be a separate project. All safety equipment will be supplied and used by Wellman Brothers.

  • Who are the committee members?

    • Becky Baumer
    • Diane Jutte
    • Clif Perryman
    • Mark Prenger
    • Rick Schwartz
    • John Stechschulte
    • Leslie Tyle
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