First Presbyterian Church steeple needs repair

Published: Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 6:30 a.m. Last Modified: Monday, June 16, 2014 at 5:25 p.m.

Standing more than 100 feet high, the steeple at First Presbyterian Church has towered over Ocala's historic district since the late 1920s. But, over the years, the towering symbol of faith has been shot at and damaged by termites and weather systems, including a violent storm that swept through in 2012.

Through a campaign called SOS (Save Our Steeple), the church building and grounds committee hopes to raise $400,000 for repairs. For now, a protective tarp has been stretched across the inside base of the steeple, keeping rainwater out of the sanctuary.

The Rev. Raymond Guterman, who celebrated 10 years of service at the church on June 1, has concerns that more damage will occur if something isn't done soon.

"We got a lot of water on the third floor of our sanctuary," Guterman said. "We had to close down the balcony for about two months to make sure it was OK. We had to get the water out and make considerable repairs. And we had to shut down our bell. We had a funeral a few weeks ago. Darren Bess (associate pastor) went up to turn on the sound system and saw where some plaster had fallen. We also had water leaking down the back wall."

The steeple, which is equipped with nighttime lighting, has served as "a beacon of light" to the surrounding community, Guterman said.

"I think that steeple is probably one of the highest places in the city of Ocala," he said. "We have a light that comes on every night. It is symbolic of Christ shining in the darkness. John 1:4-5 says, In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.' The Bible speaks to dark places in the world where people have challenges. All of us have dark seasons that all of our families go through. In spite of all this, it does not affect the light. It still goes on."

The church membership is about 900, Guterman said. In 2007, the congregation raised $300,000 for a new heating and air conditioning system, and for carpeting and a bus. In 2012, it raised $250,000 to renovate the fellowship hall.

Kent Adams, a church elder, is heading up the current campaign.

"It really is a calling," he said. "I didn't realize it at first, but then I started thinking, both my children were baptized there."

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First Presbyterian Church steeple needs repair