Steeple Project
Preserve Our Steeples Capital Campaign Update
August 5, 2026
Dear St. Augustine Parishioners,
In our April 17, 2026 communication, we shared the unfortunate news that Wellman Brothers would no longer be able to complete the St. Augustine Steeples Restoration Project and that a search for a new contractor was underway. At that time, we promised to keep parishioners informed as we evaluated qualified firms and selected a restoration partner capable of preserving our church steeples for generations to come.
After several months of research, interviews, proposal reviews, and discussions with four highly qualified restoration contractors, we are pleased to announce that the Building & Maintenance Committee, Finance Commission and Parish Council have approved moving forward with The Durable Restoration Company of Columbus, Ohio, for the St. Augustine Steeples Restoration Project.
The selection process was thorough and deliberate. Our goal was not simply to find a contractor capable of replacing copper, but rather a restoration partner with demonstrated expertise in historic church preservation, ornamental copper fabrication, project safety, and long-term stewardship of significant religious structures. With nearly forty years of experience specializing in historic restoration, Durable has completed thousands of preservation projects throughout the Midwest, including church steeples, historic roofing systems, ornamental metalwork, masonry restoration, and landmark buildings. Their in-house artisans and coppersmiths possess the specialized skills necessary to replicate and restore the intricate copper elements unique to St. Augustine while preserving the church's historic character.
In addition to their restoration expertise, Durable's preservation philosophy and commitment to safety were significant factors in our decision. Their project teams evaluate each structure individually to ensure repairs respect the original design, materials, and craftsmanship while providing long-term durability. Supported by a comprehensive corporate safety program, OSHA-trained personnel, daily job hazard assessments, and ongoing project oversight, Durable demonstrated the experience and stewardship needed to successfully complete this important restoration. More information about the company and its work can be found at https://durablerestoration.com.
The project scope includes restoration of both steeples, replacement of deteriorated copper cladding, restoration of the internal drainage systems, fabrication and installation of custom copper components, and preservation of the many decorative architectural elements that make St. Augustine Church such a recognizable landmark.
Following negotiations and review of the final proposal, the total project cost, including required bonding and associated restoration work, is anticipated to be approximately $1.4 million, compared to the original Wellman Brothers proposal of approximately $950,000. It should be noted that the Wellman Brothers proposal assumed the use of company-owned scaffolding. Had comparable outsourced scaffolding been required, the total project cost would have increased by approximately $250,000, bringing the estimated project cost to approximately $1.2 million. While this represents a significant increase from the original estimate, parish leadership believes Durable's specialized expertise provides the quality and confidence necessary for a project of this importance.
We are pleased to report that the Preserve Our Steeples Capital Campaign has continued to receive tremendous support from our parish family. The original campaign goal was $700,000, with the remaining $250,000 anticipated to be funded through parish reserves. To date, parishioners have contributed approximately $910,000, with nearly $55,000 in additional pledges still outstanding, for an estimated total of $965,000 to be collected.
Based on the updated project cost of approximately $1.4 million and anticipated campaign receipts of approximately $965,000, the amount needed from parish reserves has increased from the originally anticipated $250,000 to approximately $435,000. We are deeply grateful that a generous parishioner remembered St. Augustine Parish in their estate plans. This thoughtful bequest will help offset a significant portion of the additional project cost, reducing the immediate impact on parish reserves. However, because these funds had not originally been designated for this project, using the bequest for the steeple restoration will reduce the resources available for future building and maintenance projects. We are truly blessed by the extraordinary generosity of our parish family. Your faithful stewardship and commitment to St. Augustine Parish are a powerful reflection of God's love at work within our community.
Several parishioners have asked whether they may still contribute to the campaign. While no additional fundraising effort is being planned, the Preserve Our Steeples Capital Campaign will remain open throughout the duration of the project. Any future gifts received will help reduce the amount that must be drawn from parish reserves and further strengthen the long-term financial position of St. Augustine Parish.
Pending final engineering and scheduling coordination, the tentative construction timeline calls for work on the North Steeple to begin in March 2027, with completion anticipated in June 2027. Work would then move to the South Steeple, beginning in June 2027 and concluding in September 2027. This schedule remains subject to weather conditions, material availability, and final project planning.
We are grateful for the generosity of our parish family throughout the Preserve Our Steeples Capital Campaign. Because of your support, we have been able to continue moving this important project forward despite unexpected setbacks. The copper purchased in 2025 remains secured and available for use in the restoration project, helping protect the parish from significant increases in material costs over the past year.
The steeples of St. Augustine have stood as visible signs of faith for more than eight decades. They have welcomed parishioners to worship, marked important moments in our community's history, and served as enduring reminders of God's presence in our lives. Through this restoration effort, we are not simply repairing structures; we are preserving sacred symbols of our parish's past, present, and future.
As we continue this journey, we are reminded that God often works through the generosity, talents, and dedication of His people. We thank all who have contributed to this effort through prayer, financial support, and encouragement. Please continue to pray for the success of this restoration project and for all who will be involved in preserving our beloved church for future generations.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Kenneth Schnipke, C.PP.S.
