Community Gathers As Beloved Steeple Makes Its Comeback

After a very long wait, the First Baptist Church in Lawton, Oklahoma is finally getting their replacement steeple. The once iconic staple in downtown Lawton has been missing for over 6 months while the church made repairs on their roof. Now that the repairs have been made, it's time for the steeple to return back to it's rightful place atop the church on B avenue.

The repairs have been needing to be made for quite some time, but some intense weather from back in 2023 really sealed the deal. According to the Lawton Constitution, all of the buildings needed repairs after a tornado and intense hail storm hit Lawton in June 2023. The steeple was removed in October 2024 and is finally being replaced today, May 9, 2025.

Pastor Mike from First Baptist rejoices for the return of the steeple.

Pastor Mike updated the First Baptist Church Facebook page with a live video update, saying that "today is a good day" because the steeple is finally being put back. He explained that there several reasons why he, in particular, missed the steeple being there on top of the church. "One - it's a landmark," he said, "I know where to turn, when to turn, how to turn - all of that - whenever I see that steeple."

Another reason the steeple being returned to the church meant so much to him was the meaning behind the monument. "That steeple represents a place of hope, place of peace, a place of salvation, a place of redemption. It marks the spot for a lot of wonderful work the Lord has done in our city," he said. He went on to explain that the steeple has been used in Lawton for 125 years.

Finishing touches before the steeple's replacement.

Before the steeple was assembled, Pastor Mike mentioned that he and a few others were able to write on a few pieces of metal, including a select few pieces of scripture.

The steeple should be attached by the end of the day today. The crew is continuing to do finishing touches together, but the cranes are "mobilized," as Pastor Mike said. Although they are not doing a specific ceremony, Pastor Mike did invite Lawtonians to come and watch the steeple being replaced. According to the current plans, the crew should be ready to put the steeple back near 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. this afternoon.

For live updates, follow the First Baptist Church Facebook page.