NORTH WATERFORD — High winds and last-minute repairs delayed the raising of the North Waterford Congregational Church steeple Monday.

It’s now scheduled to be put back on top of the 1860 church belfry at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

“We’ve got to pick up the weather vane,” said Albert Cummings, who is leading the renovation effort with Diana Douglas. The weather vane is also undergoing repairs.

The steeple was taken off the church on Five Kezars Road two weeks ago for repairs to sheathing and other parts. Parishioners say it has been tilting for some time. It sits over a belfry containing a Holbrook bell, which was cast in 1872. The roof of the belfry was also repaired.

Cummings and Douglas have been working on the 40-foot steeple on the front lawn of the church after crane operator Lou Bernier of Waterford lowered it.

The project cost is about $12,000, thanks to a lot of volunteer efforts, but church treasurer Judy Green said donations are being sought to help pay the entire bill. Anyone who would like to contribute may make checks payable to the North Waterford Congregational Church and send it to P.O. 95, North Waterford, ME 04267.

ldixon@sunjournal.com

Albert Cummings, left, who is leading the steeple renovation effort, confers with crane operator Lou Bernier Monday afternoon after high winds forced the raising to be delayed. Roger Green and Dave Pickering make last minutes repairs to the steeple as they wait.