An important feature for a local landmark will be replaced following a long-term restoration.
The steeple of Tecumseh's historic St. Anne's Church will finally be lifted from its place in front of the church and placed atop its rightful place atop the church. The process is expected to begin at 6am Tuesday.
The news was announced during Sunday masses at St. Anne's, and then confirmed via Facebook by Tecumseh Deputy Mayor Joe Bachetti.
As crews prepare to lift the steeple back into place, there will be street closures around the church starting Monday.
Lesperance Rd. between Arbour St. and Tecumseh Rd. E will be closed to traffic beginning at 9am Monday and lasting until 4pm Friday, weather permitting. Businesses in that area will be open as usual.
The church is in the midst of a $3.8-million restoration project. $2.5-million of the cost is being covered by a donation from philanthropist Al Quesnel while the town of Tecumseh chipped in $15,000 via grant.
Father Eugene Roy, pastor of St. Anne's, tells BlackburnNewsWindsor.com that the steeple was removed from the church in 2007 due to concerns about severe wood rot compromising the church's structural integrity. Roy says the steeple's work was only recently completed, having been accelerated by the donations.
The current church has dominated the Tecumseh city centre since 1873.
-With files from Adelle Loiselle
