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Missing bell remains a mystery at St. Andrews spire

'Once we have that designed we'll get it built and then it will be illuminated with an LED light so you'll be able to see it for blocks and blocks away. It's going to look very nice'

Work is continuing on the demolition of the spire at St. Andrews Church on Algonquin, but a piece of church history remains elusive.

Parishioner and restoration project manager Reid Milne says the original wooden part of the spire has been taken down and work is starting on the restoration of the brickwork.

There was hope that the spire's original bell would be found, but its whereabouts remain a mystery.

"That never happened," said Milne. "It's too bad but nobody seems to know where it went."

They did find four carillon speakers. A carillon is a musical instrument typically housed in the bell tower of a church.

"They were from the '20s to '40s, we're not sure yet," Milne explained to BayToday as workers continued the demolition. "When Salvage Kings (History Channel TV show) were down they wanted them so they took them with them."

Milne is excited to see the completed episode and said taping went well.

"It was really good. I spent six hours with them filming so it was very educational, for sure. Plus we found the original 1904 wooden ladder that we are keeping."

See: Spire at St. Andrew's United Church to be demolished for safety reasons

Once the brickwork demolition is complete architects will finish the architectural work for the new spire.

"Once we have that designed we'll get it built and then it will be illuminated with an LED light so you'll be able to see it for blocks and blocks away. It's going to look very nice."


Jeff Turl

About the Author: Jeff Turl

Jeff is a veteran of the news biz. He's spent a lengthy career in TV, radio, print and online, covering both news and sports. He enjoys free time riding motorcycles and spoiling grandchildren.
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