- Commercial
Saint Patrick Catholic Parish Steeple Removal
Size:
Location:
Saint Patrick Catholic Parish, the oldest building in Janesville still used for liturgical services, was completed in 1864. This historic church, founded as the first Catholic congregation in Janesville, has witnessed significant moments in history, including Abraham Lincoln’s re-election and the end of the Civil War.
Recently, a structural engineer inspected the church’s 132-foot-tall steeple and recommended its removal for safety reasons. The steeple, which tilted to the southeast likely due to high winds from a decade ago, has also suffered damage from squirrels, bats, and pigeons. In addition to the steeple, the church faces issues with its foundation and the tuck-pointing of its yellow bricks.
To address these concerns, the Church team turned to us, which involved constructing a steel cradle to safely lift the steeple off its base, with a 400-ton crane lowering the bell separately. The steeple was to be placed in the church’s courtyard until restoration funds were secured.
Fun Fact: George P. and Anna Lee Cullen were married November 5, 1865 at this same church and lived just down the street raising our founder John Partrick (J.P.) Cullen and his 6 siblings. Their small house was at the intersection of Ringold and East Racine Street – just 4 mins from our current Janesville Office.
