Beulah Hill's New Steeple is Raised

The last major phase of Beulah Hill's

renovation project was the replacement

of the steeple.  These photos and three

short videos document the process.

This is a final glimpse of the original
copper-plated steeple that has adorned
Beulah Hill Baptist Church since 1959.

You can't just call for a "workday" for jobs
like this.  A powerful crane arrives along
with the new steeple.

The roofing crew and steeple crew
spend a day coordinating their work.

This crane is ready for heavy lifting.

Pastor Barbery (center), Johnny Williamson
(right), and the crane operator anticipate
the church's new look.

Just getting the old steeple, belfry, and
 bell to the ground is no trivial undertaking.

There's plenty of service left in this venerable
old bell, which has summoned multitudes to
worship for many decades.

Prior to its raising, the cross atop the new steeple
casts its shadow while still on the flatbed truck.

During the brief period when it had no steeple
at all, Beulah Hill looked strangely bare.

The massive base awaits installation.

The steeple is prepared to be seated
upon the base.

The base is cut for a perfect fit to the church roof.

The new alongside the old.
Both will stir cherished memories.

A thill is in the air as "lift-off" moment arrives.

The beautiful white spire features
praying hands lit by a solar cell at night.

Up, up, and away.  An expert crane operator
makes a difficult task look easy.

The following two videos, 41 seconds and

76 seconds, show the actual raising of the

steeple from start to finish, a historic moment

in the life of Beulah Hill.

Mission accomplished!

With the new steeple in place, the
renovation is largely completed.

Then there's the matter of the church

bell.  The following video shows you

the "reclaiming" of the bell by the

powerful crane.  Listen to it clang

as it sways between heaven and earth.

Pastor Barbery envisions that the old bell, in a
new location, will once again summon worshipers
to Beulah Hill Baptist Church.

So this church, well into its second century,
embraces a new era.  The changes in the building
are readily apparent.  But the CHURCH, which
means God's people, has not changed in its mission
or its character.  We still seek to be a Lighthouse on a
 hill, a beacon which can guide men's souls to Christ.
   And a fellowship of believers-- Christ's ones-- who carry
  that light into our community and the world beyond.

At Long Last, Christmas in Atlanta!

Christmas 2011 has come and gone, but the

 memories of a wonderful time in Atlanta will

 remain with us forever.  Great-Grandpa Loyd

was in fine form to receive his four great-grandchildren

along with the rest of the family.

Evan and Claire visit "Grandpa Loyd" upon their
arrival.  Claire is proud to show off her new glow-
in-the-dark airplane shirt.

Grandpa Loyd has an airplane of his own to
show: his P-47 Thunderbolt.

But leave it to Claire to provide the action!
"I'm going to be a pilot!"

The game of one-upmanship continues as
Grandpa pulls out his harmonica and entertains.

It's chilly, but nice enough for a stroll in the garden.
Claire shows the butterfly she's found.

An updated four generation picture.

Claire: "I like your place, Grandpa Loyd."

Evan decides to go reindeer hunting.

"Uh, what do I do now that I've caught him?"

Day 2 found our whole clan gathered at Picadilly
Cafeteria for a festive meal.  With these four to
watch, the food took a back seat.  Not that we
left anything on our plates.

Brianna: "Can you imagine how much more fun
this would be if we knew what money was?"

Hide-and-seek around a vending machine.
Cheap entertainment-- at this age.  Next year . . .?

Why pay babysitters.  These guys take
care of themselves.

Hunter and Stephen make up their own games.

Later, Hunter practices his karate on some
unsuspecting table ads.  Including something
like hee-YAH!

The big event was after dinner at Grandpa Loyd's
house.  The children were fascinated with this
holiday setting Caryn brought.

They were drawn to it like a magnet.

"I FOUND IT!  The magic music button!"

Bold Brianna is sent off all by herself to tell Uncle
Buddy something.  Wonder of wonders, she does it!

Evan: "How am I going to open this without
putting down my toy train?"

The biggest miracle of this Christmas may be
that everyone was looking at the camera!  We
weren't sure the traditional family picture was
even a possibility this year, but it was!

Grandpa Loyd is thrilled to be surrounded by
all four of his great-grandchildren at once.

These children love toys, but they create their
own fun with whatever's available.

Hunter's trying to show Brian a little about
how to play the piano.

Always thoughtful Caryn has Brianna deliver a
birthday cupcake to Mommy Amanda.  Almost
every birthday of her life has been celebrated
in Atlanta.  (She's also never had to go to
school on her birthday!)

Bri and Hunter weren't nearly as interested in
playing the organ as in hearing the loud whirr when
 they turned it on and off.  Again and again and again. . . .

Hunter was quite impressed with Grandpa Loyd's
aviation bear.  But his thumb was even better.

Matt shows Grandpa's many Air Force photos to
an awed Claire.  She's the real aviation enthusiast!

It would hardly be Christmas in Atlanta without
special and heart-warming music from our friends.

Even the young listeners know talent when they hear it.

Evan says: "This is some party, Dad.
Let's come back every year."

Pick your own favorite caption:
Ken: "What do you mean, Can I put Evan on
my shoulder?"
Hunter: "Folks, I'm getting a little squished here."
Claire: "Um, I think Bri's about to go BOOM."
Brianna: "Coud somebody hurry up and
take the picture?  Yikes!

We never let a photo-op "slip away."

Here's the Loyd family's parting shot.  Also, the
Coles, Kirbys, and Talberts.  One slight difference
from the earlier group photo.  Bri's waving at you!
Have a great 2012 everyone!