Carla Clark | For The Republic Architect Louis Joyner presents an update on the First Christian Church tower project at First Christian Church, Columbus, Ind., Sunday, November 12, 2023.
A full house inside First Christian Church marked Sunday’s “A Towering Achievement: Community Celebration” concert to mark the near-finish of both the refurbishing of the First Christian Church tower and the adjusted $3.1 million campaign to fund it.
“This tower is an iconic symbol of our community,” said longtime local broadcaster Sam Simmermaker in opening remarks. He also referred to it as a symbol of faith.
Famous towers from around the world highlighted the program, along with music from their countries: The Eiffel Tower and music from France; the Leaning Tower of Pisa and music from Italy; the London Bridge tower and music from England; First Christian’s tower and music from the United States, and Rapunzel’s tower & music from Disney’s “Tangled.”
Organist Lisa Lohmeyer organized the elaborate event.
“I love the idea of an extravaganza (concert),” Lohmeyer said days before the performance.
It also included former Columbus Indiana Philharmonic Artistic Director David Bowden leading an adult choir, plus a children’s choir, poetry reading and more.
Work on the 166-foot structure is scheduled to be complete Dec. 4.
