Up Goes the Steeple, Construction Nears Completion

[July 29] The day got off to a great beginning with the erection of the steeple. A crowd gathered to watch the crane lift it into place while Bryan, Coble and Conrad were up on the roof to guide it into place. Everything went smoothly and the golden-painted cross atop the steeple is a beacon to everyone in the town of Opal, driving by on U. S. 30, or even the engineers on the many trains that rumble by throughout the day. Hats to Richard Hayes for his design and construction.

Just about every bit of work on the outside of the church has been completed. Some final touch up paint on the steeple's pedestal base and installation of a cross on the front porch remain. Even the street numbers have been installed on the front porch pillars.

Inside the church all the dry-wall has been installed and the changes made to the stairs leading up to the baptistery. All the office, classrooms and bathroom walls have been painted and work on the bathroom plumbing fixtures well along. All the ceilings except those in the main hallway have been sprayed with the "popcorn" coating. And installation of floor tiles was underway at dinnertime (the floor coverings are a mix of vinyl tiles and carpeting. Crews were also getting most of the electrical components like ceiling lighting, smoke detectors and wall fixtures installed. And most of the doorways and window trim has been installed.

So, just two more work days before the planned dedication ceremony on Thursday evening. A lot of dry wall sanding and painting will be the order of the day on Wednesday.

Well done to all those who have been working so hard on all the different part of this big project. There was talk this evening at dinner about getting a large Jacuzzi for next year's mission project so that some aching backs and legs can get the kinks worked out after quitting time.

Here comes the steeple

Al is all smiles after installing the last piece of dry wall