Oldenburg Preservation Association members are hoping the town’s skyline will change in the near future.

This group, along with Holy Family Catholic Church officials, share a goal of reconstructing what was known as the onion dome spire, which was demolished in 1949 when it fell into disrepair.

Jeff Paul, parishioner and Oldenburg Preservation Association member, recalls how they arrived at this point: In 1986, a decision was made to demolish the Holy Family Monastery across from the firehouse on Pearl Street. At that time, the Rev. Gabriel Buescher "wanted to fix up the stone church …. (near the monastery and) put an onion dome back on" it. Money was raised for the restoration, but as time went by, "the project fell by the wayside."

More recently, interest was renewed when another pastor, the Rev. Rock Travnikar, came into town and commented, "’ I noticed something. We’re missing a spire,’" Paul reports.

This time, "We went into more depth and did more research …. We got dimensions" on the original steeple’s size and had plans drawn that "are within a fraction of an inch of what the tower would have been." With the help of historian Bill Selm, Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana, the Restore the Onion Dome Committee learned how to best replace the original structure. In addition, Paul Kissel, Lexington, Ky., Travnikar’s friend, has donated his time to the design and direction of the project.

Even though the former dome was made of wood, the new one will be constructed of aluminum because "we don’t want to put a burden of future maintenance on the parish," the Oldenburg resident points out.

The height from the bottom of the tower to the tip of the spire will be 46 feet, with a 7-foot cross on top. The base will be a 12 foot square.

OPA member Gary Munchel, who has been working with Paul, believes this project will "add to the overall integrity of our town .… It’s another recent example of what we’ve done to preserve our legacy."

The Rev. David Kobak, current pastor, is excited about the project and says it is “something every family can take part in .... (and) a great cause for people to donate to .... Two or three generations of people will thoroughly enjoy (how it) beautifies the skyline of Oldenburg.”

Campbellsville Industries, Campbellsville, Ky., will fabricate the dome. Paul indicates they rebuilt the West Baden Springs Hotel, French Lick, four historic cupolas. Stephenson Co., Ohio, workers who have done work on the church in the past, will prepare the stone tower.

The cost to construct the steeple and have it delivered is about $71,234, with an additional $20,000 to prepare and install the tower.

Over half the funding has already been raised, he reveals. Proceeds from the Freudenfest, the town’s annual German festival, amount to $45,000, and area residents have also donated funds. However, the rest of the money still has to be acquired.

Paul is hoping the dome can be ordered by the end of January because it will take 10 to 12 weeks to manufacture. "What we would like to do is have it (installed) by April 14," which is the anniversary of when "the stone church was first consecrated to the holy family."

Once the structure is completed, Munchel hopes visitors see "there’s a spirit of optimism in Oldenburg," and the town’s residents are "still vibrant and proud of our community.

"Oldenburg is known for its heritage …. so it’s only fitting to replace one of our lost steeples."

Paul adds, "It’s one more special thing about our village."

Persons who would like to donate to this project can send checks to the Oldenburg Preservation Association, P.O. Box 142, Oldenburg, IN 47036.