Steeple Roof and Facade Evaluation
Ruggles Baptist Church, organized in 1870 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, relocated to its current home in 1970 after a fire destroyed the original building. The congregation purchased the historic “Second Church,” a Colonial Revival-style structure designed by Ralph Adams Cram and constructed circa 1914. The building features mass masonry walls with decorative limestone elements and a prominent steeple containing the clock, bell, and Light Towers.
After moisture infiltration was reported within the steeple, Gale performed a visual evaluation of the steeple’s roof and facade systems. Using drone technology and RILEM tube testing to further assess masonry conditions, we identified areas of moisture intrusion and deterioration affecting the interior stairwell and plaster finishes. Our findings and recommendations were documented in an evaluation report to support future repair planning.
