It took a giant crane to lift up the mighty timbers Tuesday so steeple restoration craftsman could assemble them into a frame that will become the new clock tower for the Damariscotta Baptist Church.
Foreman Shawn Perry from Preservation Timber Framing explained the next step is for the frame to be covered and a new clock face installed.
“Then we will fly in the clockworks and button up the new clock tower,” he said.
Next on the list is to disassemble most of the old clock box that still sits on top of the landmark church.
Then the new clock box will be hoisted to the top of the church and fastened in place.
Finally, the completed belfry (with 900 pound bell) and its steeple will be picked up and flown over the church and inserted into the clock box.
They will then build a roof, apply a bit of paint and some trim and it will be time to pull the rope and announce to the Twin Villages that the steeple, that stands guard over the community since Maine boys donned blue suits and marched off to the Civil War, is back in business.
All the progress depends on the ability of the trustees to raise the $75,000 to make the last payment on the construction bill.
For the record, despite the angelic nature of the structure, a crane will be used to “fly” the heavy structure to the top of the historic house of worship.