Dave Read photo: Work to install a Verizon cell tower is underway in the steeple of the First Church on Main Street in Sandwich.
SANDWICH – Construction has begun on the steeple of a Sandwich church which was once used for the cover of an Elvis Presley Album.
When the work is completed the steeple will house a cell tower for Verizon Wireless to help with poor signal coverage in the area.
Church spokesman Wally King says an agreement was made with Verizon ensuring the church’s historic appearance would not be altered in any way.
“They are refurbishing the steeple and making sure that the materials that the steeple is comprised of are structurally sound as well as consistent with the technology that cell antennas require,” said Wally King, a church spokesman.
The work is expected to be completed by the end of April or beginning of May.
COURTESY OF WIKIPEDIA: The 1967 Elvis Presley album “How Great Thou Art” features the First Church steeple on the cover.
“Like any other project you always run into things that you don’t expect but I think so far they are right on schedule,” King said.
The current Main Street structure was built in 1847 and was featured on the 1967 Elvis album “How Great Thou Art.”
“We actually have one of those album covers on display at the church,” King said. “Many people know us as the Elvis church.”
King said the agreement between the church and Verizon was a win-win situation for the structural stability of the steeple and the wireless customers.
First Church worshipers have been meeting in Sandwich for the last 375 years.
By BRIAN MERCHANT, CapeCod.com NewsCenter
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