Raising the Bells

http://www.wsiltv.com/home/top-story/Bells-Back-in-Ridgway-Church-302837021.html

Thanks to WSIL for this very nice piece!

And some pictures from a great day that speak for themselves:

Time lapse to 5-13-15

Same time-lapse, from two different angles

5-13-15 walkthrough... lots going on!

Late-stage steel work, exterior masonry, stud framing, roof insulation and nailbase, electrical rough-in, fire suppression installation, and the hardest working plumber in southern Illinois (and then some!).

Tower deck

With the bells in place, the tower can be continued. The octagonal base for the spire is already installed; the spire is expected to go up on June 3-4. 

Masonry looking amazing!

Restart Party and Signing the Beams

About 150 people gathered for good food, to celebrate the restart of construction after winter break, and to leave their mark. Many signed their names and names of loved ones, and wrote favorite verses and prayers. Our memories and hopes are now literally and physically part of the very walls of this church.