Here’s the Church… Where’s the Steeple?
by Nancy Wood
August 26, 2010, page 14.....

During 2009, the Charlotte Congregational Church on Church Hill Road underwent major renovations. Using $435,000 raised from over 100 church members and friends, the church received a new slate roof, rebuilt chimney, upgraded front porch and new column bases. The exterior of the church was painted and storm windows were replaced over the stained glass.
The contractor, J.A. Morrissey, supplemented by an architect and engineers, discovered that the steeple had been leaking for possibly over 100 years, and the steeple and the truss structure were badly damaged from ice, snow and rain. One of the trusses was 50% burned, possibly from a lightening strike that extinguished itself. Sadly, the steeple had to be dismantled and discarded because of the significant deterioration. The bell was lowered and placed on the front lawn and the steeple cap behind the Vestry.
An additional $225,000 will be needed to replace the steeple. Rather than starting another capital campaign immediately, many in the church wanted to support other missions, including the Habitat housing project in Charlotte. According to Lane Morrison, some members felt they had spent enough time and money on themselves: the church building.
So a decision was made to establish a Steeple Fund to accept donations from individuals and the greater Charlotte community, as well as money generated by small fundraisers like the flea market held in April. This fall the entire church community will follow up with a strategic planning process to examine and discuss their future direction and how they can best balance support for missions and outreach with the capital needs of the church, such as restoring or replacing the steeple. Another active capital campaign is at least a year away.
In the meantime, the restoration of the church is complete with a long-term cover over the roof steeple box. The design for a new steeple has been completed and includes additional attic insulation and a plan to add energy-saving lights in the ceiling.
Anyone who wishes to hurry along the day when this historic Charlotte landmark, built in 1848, will again be topped with a steeple may send a much appreciated contribution to the Charlotte Congregational Church, P.O. Box 12, Charlotte, VT 05445.