The courthouse stands stoically to the east as St. Paul’s is demolished May 13.
Photos by Beth Boardman
(CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE)
The rest of the 122-year-old St. Paul United Church of Christ came down chunk by chunk on May 13, 2013, altering the Lincolnway landscape and LaPorte skyline forever.
After removal of the steeple and bell May 2, the church — stained glass windows removed and sold — stood ready for the wrecking ball. Pavey crew members and equipment made fairly quick work of the three-story structure on a crisp spring day. The only visible hitch was an apparent water line break at the curb in front of the church.
The structure comes down just a month or so shy of the 122nd anniversary of its dedication in June 1891.
Contrary to rumors, the hospital has not purchased the church property. Possible retail development of the site has been mentioned.
The demolition work from Lincolnway looking northwest, with LaPorte Hospital to the right.
A gold-colored religious symbol is visible inside the arch.
Workers hose down the wreckage to minimize dust.
Part of a mural is visible through a window opening on the west side of the building.
Folks watch the work from the hospital lawn.