Replica Of Landmark Steeple Installed At Burlington Church

BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) — A recognizable landmark has returned to Burlington's skyline following a nearly three-year absence.

Monday was all a construction crew needed to replace the College Street Congregational Church steeple, a $2 million project that had been in the works since an arsonist's blaze damaged the structure in October 2013.

The 60-foot-tall steeple, affixed to stone moorings atop the house of worship, is an exact replica of the original. Weighing approximately 35,000 pounds, the steeple was hoisted into place in three separate pieces.

Jonathan Farrell, a congregation member and the church's "steeplekeeper," says the spire is a viable symbol of the 150-year-old church and all that has gone on in it over the years.

Work will continue on the installation of the steeple's four-sided clock face over the next few weeks.

[STORY BY: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]