The Zion United Lutheran Church on Route 209 in Brodheadsville is replacing its more than 150-year-old steeple.

No, the recent windy weather isn’t the culprit. It was simply age and the rotting wood, according to the Rev. E. Ann Melot. Bat excrement accelerated the decay.

The steeple had graced the church’s top since 1862 when the church was built.

“I believe the only repairs made to the steeple were when lightning struck it sometime in the late ’50s,” she said.

The steeple is solid wood, and its weight took its toll on the supporting wood underneath.

Unfortunately, the old steeple is not repairable, and the entire section was removed. Money from the church’s memorial fund will pay for the new steeple.

“Repairs are being done one step at a time. We just applied for the first set of permits we need, and the engineers will come and tell us what we need to do next,” Melot said.

The church has decided to save the weather vane and put it outside in the front of the church or in one of the flower beds.