Images in the News
Central's historic steeple cross has a gentle landing
The 80-year-old, damaged by the August 19 tornado, is removed for repair
August 20, 2009
Within 24 hours of being broken by the tornado that struck downtown Minneapolis on August 19, Central's historic steeple cross was gently removed on Thursday, August 20 and sent away for repair. The cross was left dangling upside down following the storm by just a portion of the metal support pole upon which it has rested since 1929. Had the 800-pound brass object fallen onto Central's new slate roof, major damage would have occurred. As it happened, only a few slate shingles were dislodged.
The cross was removed by staff of Les Jones Roofing, where the solid brass cross will be repaired. Portions of the copper flashing on the steeple, just beneath the cross, will need to be fabricated to match the remaining original pieces.
Central member Harold Clough, who was a young boy when "new Central" was completed in 1929, reports that the cross has only been taken down once, in the late 50s, for cleaning.
Here's the story in pictures:
Photos by Joe Bjordal
Central's historic steeple cross has a gentle landing
The 80-year-old, damaged by the August 19 tornado, is removed for repair
August 20, 2009
Within 24 hours of being broken by the tornado that struck downtown Minneapolis on August 19, Central's historic steeple cross was gently removed on Thursday, August 20 and sent away for repair. The cross was left dangling upside down following the storm by just a portion of the metal support pole upon which it has rested since 1929. Had the 800-pound brass object fallen onto Central's new slate roof, major damage would have occurred. As it happened, only a few slate shingles were dislodged.
The cross was removed by staff of Les Jones Roofing, where the solid brass cross will be repaired. Portions of the copper flashing on the steeple, just beneath the cross, will need to be fabricated to match the remaining original pieces.
Central member Harold Clough, who was a young boy when "new Central" was completed in 1929, reports that the cross has only been taken down once, in the late 50s, for cleaning.
Here's the story in pictures:
Photos by Joe Bjordal
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Minneapolis, MN 55404
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Main line: 612-870-4416