The people’s steeple

Published 6:17 pm Monday, November 24, 2008

Reporter staff

Members of First Church Of Christ Scientist recently undertook the replacement of a steeple, which tops the church building located at S.E. 47th and Island Crest Way.

The building was constructed in 1963 and included a steeple, but it was removed due to deterioration in the late 1980s or early ‘90s.

The new steeple went up with the help of Steve Malloy and John Bruns, who are both members of the church’s building and maintenance committee. The new spire’s structure is partially dome-shaped and is constructed of clear-laminated fir. It was built and put up by Western Woods Structures, the same company that built the Tacoma Dome.

The new spire is 29-feet 10-inches tall, and will soon be illuminated at night. Also, a number of tree branches will be removed to make the structure more visible.

“Our members are very happy about it,” said Melba Joy Johnson, who is on the church’s board of directors.

For more information on the First Church of Christ Scientist, call 232-0175 or visit the Reading Room located at 7605 S.E. 27th Street.