First Presbyterian cross comes down

It had risen above Wrangell's rooftops for well over a century, acting as a beacon both to Sunday-morning parishioners and ships at sea alike. Now, no more.

On Tuesday morning, a hydraulic lift run by Johnson Construction hoisted the neon cross from First Presbyterian's roof for the last time.

"The ships used to use it as a beacon," said Nancy Barlow, who manages the church's hostel. "It's like a lighthouse."

To her knowledge, the neon cross was only one of two in the world used atop church buildings and noted on charts for navigational purposes. According to a handout detailing the church's history, the other is in Norway.

The removal of such a longstanding landmark made for exciting viewing.

Watching the crane at work, Barlow said it all reminded her of Disneyland, where one had to use lettered tickets specific to different rides. She recalled that the fewest tickets in each booklet-for the most fun rides, of course-were the "E" tickets.

"It's an E ticket," she said.

The cross-once burnt

during a 1930 fire, now rusted and beyond repair-will be replaced by a new steel model once work on the roof is completed. It had topped the original church building built back in 1879.

Workers are currently re-shingling the church roof, which has been in need of repair for some time.

"It's quite a project," said Barlow. "We've had some leaks," she said, and the congregation has been raising money for the work for about five years.

Barlow remains hopeful the roof will be mended before winter weather sets in. As to what will happen to the old cross now that it has been taken down: "I have no idea."