One million dollars needed to preserve clock tower at Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ.
Frederick, MD (JK/DG) – The Clock Tower Preservation Committee of the Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ is trying to raise $1 million in order to save Frederick’s oldest Spire and Clock Tower. A press conference was held to announce the fund raising effort to help save the structure which has watched over Frederick since 1763.
Reverend David Cooney is the Chairman of the Committee that launched the fund raising campaign because preservation of the structure was going to cost more than they had expected. Cooney said “We looked at all the work that was needed, and it turned into a one million dollar project.”
(Photo courtesy of Historical Society of Frederick)
The extensive preservation project includes repair and restoration of the spire, lantern, clock and belfry sections of the steeple.
The original clock was donated to the Smithsonian Institution and was replaced by an electric model. The first clock was installed in 1793, and re-installed in the upper portion of the steeple in 1807.
Cooney added they hope to start restoration work in September and the project will take about 4 to 6 months to compete.
Information about the restoration project can be found at www.saveourspires.org and www.erucc.org/restore-iconic-steeple. Donations can be made at www.frederickcountygives.org, or by calling 301-695-7660.