JEFFERSON – Almost two years after lightning struck St. John the Baptist Church in Jefferson, a new steeple once again crowns the building.

On June 2, the community gathered as Msgr. Donn Heiar, parochial administrator of St. Teresa of Calcutta Pastorate, blessed the steeple, and the crane lifted it into place.

It was a milestone for the local faithful, as not only did a new steeple go up, but the original cross, which had survived the fire, was restored to the top of the steeple, taking its place once again in the town’s skyline.

A joyful day

The joy of the community was palpable — parishioners gathered in lawn chairs, some bringing their children to watch.

Snacks and lemonade were passed around.

The weather was hot, but people remained watching for over an hour, as Monsignor Heiar blessed the steeple, the crew did the necessary prep work, and finally, after all the precautions had been taken, the steeple rose into the air.

The lift was 17,000 pounds, and the new copper of the steeple shone in the bright sunlight.

At last the steeple was safely positioned in its proper place.

“Heavenly Father, with grateful hearts we stand before You today to bless this new steeple, raised once again above this sacred church,” prayed Monsignor Heiar as he blessed the steeple.

“After the trial of fire, after days of loss, uncertainty, and waiting, You have remained faithful to Your people. You never abandoned us, but guided us through hardship, strengthened us in hope, and brought us to this day of restoration and joy. Bless this steeple . . . As its cross points heavenward, may it proclaim to our community that Jesus Christ is Lord, that His victory over sin and death endures, and that no fire, storm, or trial can destroy the Church founded upon Him.”

Celebrating community

He also offered his gratitude to God for the many people who offered their help throughout the hardship.

“We thank You for our firefighters and all who responded with ‘service before self’ that fateful night. We thank You for all who labored to make this restoration possible: The generous donors, the skilled workers, the parishioners and friends whose faith, prayers, and sacrifices helped rebuild what was lost. Lord, as You have restored this steeple, continue to renew Your Church.”

The community has deep roots here. One parishioner joked that he hasn’t been here long, only since 1980.

The feeling of restoration extended beyond the Catholics of Jefferson.

Several members of the Lutheran church, just up the block, came to watch as well and offer their congratulations to their neighbors.

It was a day to celebrate. After the initial lift, members of the construction crew could be spotted in line with community members at a nearby burger and shake stand.

About a month before the new steeple went up, the parish offered parishioners a unique opportunity to put their names in history: A chance to “sign the steeple.”

Parishioners, including students of St. John the Baptist School in Jefferson, were given the chance to sign their names on the steel framing that would be supporting the new steeple.

That framing was placed in the tower prior to June 2.

The steeple-signing is one way the faithful of St. John the Baptist Church have rallied in the nearly two years of work on restoring the church, which had suffered extensive smoke and water damage due to the lightning strike.

The interior was sufficiently restored to resume weekend Masses in October of 2025.

However, exterior work continued on the stonework, roof, gutters, and the tower itself, with scaffolding still wrapped around the tower as of June 2.

The steeple, however, was one of only a few significant steps left. The community is nearing the finish line.

Vogel Bros. Building Co. has headed up the restoration, and the parish is grateful for their excellent work.