Strengthening the Steeple

	1990-91 the steeple was strengthened. The entire upper portion of the steeple was disassmbled, damaged members replaced, and then re-assembled.
	Steel plates were used to reinforced joints in wooden beams, augmented by several steel girders. A long tie rod at the roof line pulled the sides of the building together and the entire cupola was reconstructed.
	The sprinkler system installed in 1991 reaches to the floor of the cupola. This photo was taken, looking up, from the bell. Would you like to climb the ladder and visit the cupola? If so, the trap door is just to the left of the ladder.