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The City of McLemoresville was the proud recipient of this 1890's
historic church building. Bethel Presbyterian Church was founded in
our town in the 1830's and the current Bethel University of
McKenzie, TN is an offspring of this humble beginning.
The original church burned and was replaced by the structure in the
photo above about the year 1896. The building had fallen into disrepair over the past 30 years as the congregation dwindled and newer churches were built in the area. The Cumberland Presbytery donated the building to the city as an historic site and with the help of volunteers and financial donations we set about to restore it as near original as possible with modern materials. The original spires were made of sheet metal and one was completely missing due to a storm of many years past, the other was in bad shape from years of neglect and local kids shooting at the ball finial on top. As an Alderman on the city board I was involved with the restoration project from the start, and offered my help in finding similar spires to replace the originals. After much research I decided the best way to replace them would be to manufacture new ones matching the existing spire and with the help of old photos of the other. Patterns were made from measurements and photos, and materials ordered to start the construction, I chose .080 aluminum as a good material and easy construction as the only ball finials of the correct size I found were hollow aluminum castings. Parts were cut to shape, formed, TIG welded, sanded, primed and painted to match the new standing-seam Red metal roof. . The spire on the short tower measures 66" and has a flared base, the other spire measures 48" with a base that matches the pitch of the tower roof. This was an unusual project for us but we learned a lot that will help in estimating time and costs for any future projects that are not in the standard fare. Remodeling continues, we have finished painting the outside after replacing several weathered pieces of clapboard siding and have started on the interior. If any more interesting jobs come from this I'll be sure and post them here. The purpose for the building is to be used as a special occassion facility, it will be for rent as a Wedding Chapel or for Birthday Parties. Anyone interested may call our city hall at 731-986-9440 for more information and completion date. |
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| 48" tall aluminum spire, I learned a few tricks that will come in handy for custom aluminum work in my sign projects from this job, and it was fun to do also. |
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| 66" tall .080 aluminum spire, these should last as long or maybe longer than the original sheet metal pieces from the 1890's |