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To restore an iconic part of local architecture, the Monroeville Historical Society is seeking donations toward repairing the bell tower of Old Stone Church.

The tower came into disrepair about two years ago, when it slipped from its moorings because of deterioration to its masonry support. Since publishing an In Monroeville magazine article in early March, the Historical Society has received more than $27,000 in donations. Cost of repair would be at least $50,000.

“Everyone sees $50,000 as the total cost, and they don’t understand why it would cost that much,” said Nancy Philpot, Historical Society member. “It is a historic preservation project. There’s more to it than most people realize. There has to be scaffolding erected, cranes brought in and then four posts that hold up the roof of the tower need to be replaced. That means the roof has to come off while that work is done.

“It’s a little bit more complicated than I think people understand. But I have to give credit to the municipality and the public works department because they’re working very hard to do it as economically as possible while still being safe about it.”

The original fundraising goal of $25,000 was met by a single donation from Visit Monroeville. Several additional donations from residents totaled $2,500 as of the beginning of March.

“Visit Monroeville, the board, knows how difficult it is, especially at this time, for an organization like the Monroeville Historical Society to raise $25,000,” said Sean Logan, Visit Monroeville vice president of community relations. “It’s a project that needs to be done. The bell tower is significant to the church and the historical society.

“It’s a tourism attraction, (with) events throughout the year, so we wanted to make sure that the project came to fruition. That’s why we wanted to step up and help.”

The historical society plans to urge Monroeville Council to prioritize the repair.

Built in 1976 as a celebration of the United States’ bicentennial, the tower has been part of a church that regularly hosts weddings and other functions in the Monroeville area. It was erected about 80 years after the church, located at 2700 Stroschein Road.

“It’s a very popular wedding venue,” Philpot said. “One of the key parts of the wedding has always been ringing the bell when they’re married and exiting the church. The church’s location makes it iconic. It’s right next to the Miracle Mile [Shopping Center]. It just stands out as, in my opinion, the center of town.”

But Philpot said there has been some resistance.

“Adding the bell tower in ‘76 was a little controversial, I understand from some of our older members. For whatever reason, they didn’t necessarily feel the bell tower should be added,” Philpot said. “They’ve been kind of vocal on whether or not we fix it right now. But it’s been there for 40 years. It’s historic. Just because it was erected in their lifetime doesn’t mean it’s not historic.

“So we’ve went out. We’ve convinced them. They’re totally on board now.”

Contributions can be mailed to the Historical Society at 2700 Monroeville Blvd., Monroeville, Pa. 15146, or made via credit card at monroevillehistorical.org. A GoFundMe titled “Help the Bell Ring Again!” opened March 2, garnering $300 since.

“Based off the feedback that I’m getting on (GoFundMe), a lot of people feel that it’s an iconic part of the landscape,” Philpot said. “I’ve just always enjoyed when we’ve had our meetings there for the historical society. It really is a beautiful church, inside and out.”

Those wishing to volunteer in fundraising efforts can contact Philpot at [email protected] or 412-510-7568.

Wes Crosby is a Trib Total Media contributing writer.

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