By Brenna R. Kelly
The Cincinnati Enquirer

BELLEVUE - A steeple without a church and a church without a steeple became a perfect match Monday.

The 40-foot steeple from Hebron Baptist Church, which was torn down in August, was lifted to its new home atop First Baptist Church of Bellevue.

"It looks great," said Arlene Utz, one of about 30 First Baptist members who watched as a crane hoisted the steeple into place. "It adds to the church, really."

The 29-year-old First Baptist building never had a steeple, though members had tried to raise money for one several years ago, said Pastor Bruce Peters.

Hebron Baptist Church's 36-year-old building was in the path of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport's new north/south runway.

When Peters learned of the impending demolition, he asked Hebron's pastor for the steeple.

"It would have gone with the wrecking ball otherwise," Peters said.

Before the steeple was installed, it was sanded, painted and the base was reconfigured to fit the church's roof. After the steeple was in place, Bob Bosley, owner of Bosley's Roofing and Chimney Sweep, placed the freshly painted gold cross on top.

Without a steeple, the building was sometimes not recognized as a church, Peters said. "Now, it's more of a landmark."

"We feel like it was a gift from heaven," Peters said.

The church will hold a service to dedicate the steeple at 9:15 a.m. Nov. 23.

---

E-mail bkelly@enquirer.com