Church steeple topples during storm

Published 12:00 am Saturday, June 18, 2016

LaGRANGE — Members of the Loyd Presbyterian Church at 550 Glass Bridge Road continue to clean up on Saturday after a severe storm tore the steeple off the top of the building.

Strong winds, frequent lightning, heavy rains and hail were reported with the storm that blew through the area about 5 p.m. Friday.

Congregation members were gathered in the parking lot of the church to survey the damage outside and inside the sanctuary.

The steeple was ripped from the top off the church and fell onto a porch roof before hitting the ground just inches away from the front steps of the sanctuary, a congregation member said.

No one was hurt.

Congregation members walked through the building and said there did not appear to be any damage inside the church. The group planned on placing tarps over the damaged areas of the roof and removing the steeple from the front yard on Saturday.

While Loyd Presbyterian Church celebrated its 175 anniversary in May 2012, a new facility was built in the early 2000’s.

As of Friday evening, congregation members said they still planned on holding church services Sunday morning.

A severe thunderstorm with strong winds tore the steeple off the top of the Loyd Presbyterian Church at 550 Glass Bridge Road Friday afternoon about 5 p.m.

http://lagrangenews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2016/06/web1_Steeple1.jpgA severe thunderstorm with strong winds tore the steeple off the top of the Loyd Presbyterian Church at 550 Glass Bridge Road Friday afternoon about 5 p.m.

The steeple also hit the roof covering the porch and entrance into the sanctuary of Loyd Presbyterian Church. Congregation members said there did not appear to be any damage inside of the building.

http://lagrangenews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2016/06/web1_Steeple2.jpgThe steeple also hit the roof covering the porch and entrance into the sanctuary of Loyd Presbyterian Church. Congregation members said there did not appear to be any damage inside of the building.

Members of Loyd Presbyterian Church said they planned on moving the steeple and placing tarps over damaged areas of the roof on Saturday. Church services were still planned for Sunday morning, said one congregation member.

http://lagrangenews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2016/06/web1_Steeple3.jpgMembers of Loyd Presbyterian Church said they planned on moving the steeple and placing tarps over damaged areas of the roof on Saturday. Church services were still planned for Sunday morning, said one congregation member.

No one hurt during the storm

By Melanie Ruberti

mruberti@civitasmedia.com

Melanie Ruberti is a reporter with LaGrange Daily News. She can be reached at 706-884-7311, ext. 2156.