In 1907, the tall steeple was struck by lightning, which started a fire that left the church gutted.

The tall steeple was a landmark which could be seen for miles.

A photo from the courthouse tower northward, c. 1900, shows the taller steeple on the church.

The original design included a tall steeple, but this was not managed because of lack of funds.

On the outside, the white-painted church with its tall steeple maintained the serenity the town sought to project.

The church is 142 feet long, 66 feet wide and with a steeple 170 feet tall.

On the east corner of the south (front) elevation is a tall steeple with the main entrance.

It has a tall steeple and a lofty interior.

Five Shirley loved old white churches with tall steeples and huge bells.

Their brick sanctuary, and the tall white steeple above it, was not threatened by the fire.