Tower of troubles resolved in Mechanicville

Assumption is the smaller of the two churches that make up Assumption/St. Paul parish. Assumption merged with St. Paul's in 1977; weekend Masses are still celebrated in both buildings.

When the pastor, Rev. William Recchuti, OSA, was preparing for a recent liturgy at Assumption, he spotted a problem in the tower.

Leaking secret

"I climbed up into the bell tower and, with a flashlight, started to inspect the flashing and wooden framework up there," he said. He was looking for a leak, but "what I found was a rotted beam."

He spoke with a parishioner who is knowledgeable about such things, John Fiorino, of Kodiak Steel Construction in Mechanicville. After they talked, a decision was made to immediately replace the beam.

Expanding problem

Pretty soon, it became obvious that a significant amount of deterioration had occurred and that the entire tower needed to be replaced.

"It was indeed providential that we discovered the severe deterioration of the upper wooden tower," the pastor said. "The supporting beams under the wall and floor on the William Street side [of the tower] had virtually turned to dust due to water seeping through the flashing over the course of many years."

Tower of problems

A local engineer and architect assisted Mr. Fiorino in disassembling the tower; it wasn't done too soon for Father Recchuti.

"Had the floor given way, the bell would have come crashing down and probably gone through both the choir loft floor and front entrance floor and into the oil burner, which is directly below the tower," he said. "This would have resulted in a fire that might have consumed the entire building. Also, had the floor and bell come down, the rest of the tower would have toppled into William Street, which would have been catastrophic for anyone passing below. And, there also would have been collateral damage to nearby homes."

Ringing endorsement

The new bell tower has already been designed and will be installed within two weeks of approval of the schematics by the diocesan commission. Meanwhile, the church bell silently awaits its new home.

"The frame will be made of steel with synthetic shingles and wood," the pastor said. "The original cross that sat atop the old tower will be installed on the new, peaked roof that will be made of copper. Both the tower and the roof will be as low-maintenance as possible."

(05-02-02) [[In-content Ad]]