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 overall structure will remain the same, but the color will vary as copper naturally changes with age.


    Initially, it will have a dark bronze hue, gradually changing to 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 late summer of 2025 and could continue into the summer of 2026.

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

    The front steps of the church, the north handicap ramp and concrete steps all need to be replaced.


    Additionally, a protective security system for the church will be installed and the rectory roof requires replacement.

  • What will happen if we don't raise enough money or there are project 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?

    Wellman Brothers recommends using copper exclusively because of its durability.  Copper is also malleable, which allows for an accurate replication of the current steeple design.  Furthermore, copper is easier to solder compared to other materials.  The existing copper cannot be re-used as the material has degraded past the point of repair.

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

    The value of the old copper is approximately $1 -$3 per pound (as of 01/2025).  However, Wellman Brothers will retain the proceeds from the sale of the scrap copper to help offset the project's costs.


  • How long will the project take?

    The project is expected to begin in the late summer of 2025 and is anticipated that it will be completed during the summer of 2026.

  • Are there other issues that should be addressed at the 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 Church has approximately $1.4 million in available funds?

    We currently have a list of capital improvement projects that require funding of approximately $1.6 million.  Additional projects have been identified but not yet quoted.

  • How much of the project cost will be funded by current cash balances of the Church?

    $250,000 has been allocated to the Steeple renovation project.  This will allow enough money remaining to fund the additional capital projects previously identified.

  • When were the steeples erected?

    In 1874, the twin towers were erected on the west side of the church by parishioner and master builder, Johann Anton Goehr.  These towers replaced the original steeple which was on the east side of the church.

  • How long has it been since the steeples were last restored?

    It is estimated that it has been over 40 years since the last major repairs or renovations were completed on the steeples.


    The copper was replaced in 1939 and major reinforcements were done in 1964 after the steeples sustained severe wind damage.

  • 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

  • Will there be any improvements during the steeple reconstruction?

    Yes, during the reconstruction, improvements will be made to enhance the steeples’ durability. Currently, the area behind the copper consists only of air and structural beams. As part of the renovation, an ice shield will be added to better protect the steeples from the elements and ensure their longevity.

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