For over 140 years, Calvary Baptist Church, located in the heart of Minneapolis’ Whittier neighborhood, has stood as a historic landmark. With its towering steeple, the church has been an architectural and spiritual beacon for the community. However, time and the elements had taken a toll on this iconic structure, necessitating a full-scale steeple and bell tower restoration.
Reviving History: The Restoration of Calvary Baptist Church Steeple and Bell Tower with BRC
The Need for Restoration
The steeple, originally constructed in the 1890s, had not undergone significant restoration since its completion. Over time, exposure to the harsh Minnesota weather led to deteriorated masonry, eroded mortar joints, and aged sheet metal. Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, Calvary Baptist Church sought funding for the restoration to ensure the structural integrity and longevity of its historic steeple.
Funding the Restoration
To help finance this ambitious project, Calvary Baptist Church secured a $200,000 grant from the National Fund for Sacred Places, a program dedicated to preserving historically significant religious sites. This funding was awarded due to the church’s architectural significance—it was designed by renowned architects Warren Hays and Harry Wild Jones and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Challenges and Restoration Process
Building Restoration Corporation was honored to take on the responsibility of restoring this historic structure while adhering to preservation guidelines. Given the church’s historical status, all work had to comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
Key Phases of the Restoration:
- Scaffolding & Work Access – Due to the height and location of the steeple, full scaffolding was necessary to safely access all areas.
- Roof Replacement – The aging roofing materials were carefully removed and replaced with historically appropriate materials.
- Sheet Metal Restoration – The steeple’s ornate architectural sheet metal elements were meticulously repaired and, where necessary, custom-fabricated by BRC’s in-house metal shop to match the original design.
- Bell Tower Masonry Repair – The entire bell tower underwent repointing and tuckpointing to restore deteriorated mortar joints while preserving as much of the original stonework as possible.
- Selective Masonry Reconstruction – The brick arches were in a state of extreme disrepair and were completely disassembled and reconstructed mostly salvaged brick material and a compatible mortar.
- Painting & Finishing Touches – Metal components were primed with a rust-inhibiting coating and painted with a selection of colors that matches the original color scheme to ensure long-term durability and rekindle the historical aesthetic of the tower.
Preserving a Community Landmark
Through meticulous craftsmanship and historically sensitive restoration techniques, BRC successfully revitalized the Calvary Baptist Church steeple, ensuring its place in the Minneapolis skyline for generations to come. This project stands as a testament to the importance of preserving historic religious structures that serve as cultural and community cornerstones.
Need Expert Steeple Restoration?
At Building Restoration Corporation, we specialize in church restoration, and historic masonry preservation. With over 40 years of experience, our award-winning team is dedicated to maintaining and restoring the beauty and integrity of historic buildings. If your church or historic structure is in need of expert restoration services, contact us today to learn how we can help protect your architectural legacy.