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09/21/2017 02:21 PMDonations are still being accepted for Northford Congregational Church's (NCC) Bell Tower Fund. Construction of the bell tower and steeple is currently underway, out of state. More information will be forthcoming when the complete construction schedule is finalized.
All donations of any amount are gratefully accepted and appreciated. In recognition of donations of $750 or more from individuals, organizations, businesses, and groups, a bronze plaque with the name of the donor(s) will be permanently placed on a monument at the base of the tower. Tax-deductible donations can be made payable to NCC Bell Tower Fund, P. O. Box 191, Northford CT 06472. For any questions or more information, call 203-234-7794.
The historic Northford Congregational Church (203-484-0795) is located at 4 Old Post Road at the corner of Route 22 and Route 17 in the Northford village in North Branford.
Reporter's Note: The bell tower was removed in 2010. Plans call for a 30-foot tall aluminum replica steeple and bell tower matching an original design, which will once again be fitted with its 2,000 pound brass bell. Designed by noted 19th century architect Henry Austin, NCC's brownstone cathedral was raised in 1846, replacing a wooden meeting house. Austin's design incorporated a fine, high wooden spire atop the church overlooking Northford village center. On Christmas Eve in 1906, a fire gutted the church, destroying the original roof, steeple, and interior. When NCC was rebuilt in 1908, Austin's steeple design was replaced by a four-cornered topper with an abbreviated steeple cap. See more at our 2016 story here ; together with additional 2010 stories and photos of the bell, tower and removal here and here